The pelvic exam portion (with a speculum and all) felt surprisingly close to a regular exam—a tad more uncomfortable but manageable. There were some follow ups and notes to keep an eye on certain issues, but nothing too overwhelming.
But your six-week postpartum checkup is one appointment you definitely shouldn't miss. While giving birth may be a normal process, some women experience a few health aftershocks, and it's important that they be examined and treated promptly.
While there's no required waiting period before you can have sex again, many health care providers recommend waiting to have sex until four to six weeks after delivery, regardless of the delivery method. The risk of having a complication after delivery is highest during the first two weeks after delivery.
The 10 questions you must ask at your 6 weeks postpartum checkup
- Were there any issues with my delivery I should know about?
- Is my bleeding normal?
- What can I do for postpartum pain?
- When can I start exercising again?
- Is it OK for me to start having sex again?
- How important is breastfeeding?
After a normal vaginal birth, you will probably stay in the birth room with your baby for about 2 hours. You may have a meal and a shower before transferring to the postnatal ward or going home. If you are going home 4 to 6 hours after birth, you might be able to stay in the birth room until discharge.
What happens at a postpartum checkup? Your provider checks your blood pressure, weight, breasts and belly. If you had a cesarean birth (also called c-section), your provider may want to see you about 2 weeks after you give birth so she can check on your c-section incision (cut).
Many health care providers recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth to give your body time to heal before you have sex. When you're ready for sex, be careful – you can get pregnant even before your period starts. This is because you may ovulate (release an egg) before you get your period again.
6 to 8 weeksThis is usually done by a GP. Your baby's eyes, heart, hips and – for boys – testicles will be checked. They'll also have their weight, length and head circumference measured. A GP or health visitor will discuss your baby's vaccinations with you.
Around 2 months of age, your baby will have a "social" smile. That is a smile made with purpose as a way to engage others. Around this same time to about 4 months of age, babies develop an attachment to their caregivers. They more readily stop crying for familiar caregivers than for strangers.
This may include a general health exam (checking your heart, lungs, breasts and abdomen); measuring your blood pressure to serve as a baseline reading for future appointments; noting your height and weight; a look for varicose veins and swelling as a baseline for future visits; a pelvic exam; and an assessment of the
The visit will include measuring your blood pressure, height and weight, as well as a breast and pelvic exam, with a pap test if you haven't had once recently. They'll also likely take blood to test for your blood type, anemia and other medical and genetic conditions.
The changes in your body may include sore muscles and bleeding. Contractions called afterpains shrink the uterus for several days after childbirth. Shrinking of the uterus to its prepregnancy size may take 6 to 8 weeks. Sore muscles (especially in the arms, neck, or jaw) are common after childbirth.
Cramping is definitely a thing in the days and weeks after delivery. Often it has to do with your uterus returning to its normal state of being. Other times, though, it may be a reason for concern.
Most women will stop bleeding between four and six weeks after giving birth. Some women may bleed for longer or shorter than this. Are blood clots normal?
