Your postpartum checkup is an ideal opportunity for you to talk to your doctor about any concerns following the birth of your baby.
Any personal and emotional worries can be discussed at this appointment, from mood swings to the fear of having sex again. This checkup is to determine your physical and emotional status, and that you are adjusting well to motherhood.
If you had a cut or a tear during a vaginal delivery, the first thing on your doctor’s list would be to check that point. However, most incision or tear problems occur within 10 days of giving birth.
At any point after delivery, any unusual redness, pain, or fluid coming from a tear should be reported to your doctor. If you had a C-section, you would probably have a preliminary incision or cut checked the second week after delivery.
At this point, your doctor wants to make sure your reproductive organs are returning to their pre-pregnancy state.
Your doctor will also check your uterus for signs of infection or tenderness. And since this checkup counts for your annual exam, your doctor will feel your ovaries for growths and perform a test to check for abnormal cervical cells.
Your breasts go through so many changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is important for your doctor to keep track of what is normal and what isn’t.
At this appointment, the doctor will give your breasts a thorough examination to check for abnormal changes.
Pregnancy generally affects every body function you can think of, which is why it is so important to get an overall health check.
Much of this exam is just like a regular physical examination where the doctor checks your weight and blood pressure. In addition, he/she may even take your pulse or listen to your chest for your heartbeat.
You will be asked if you have problems passing urine. In some cases, you may be asked to present urine samples if you have frequent urination, leaking urine, or a stinging feeling while urinating.
It would interest you to note that this is common after childbirth, so don’t feel embarrassed to mention this to your doctor.
While it is likely your doctor or midwife would have gone over this with you at the time of your delivery, if you have any lingering or disturbing questions, now is the time to ask.
Feeling good about your birth experience is empowering and refreshing.
By the sixth week, most women just have some light spotting from time to time.
If you are having heavy bleeding or large clots, be sure to let your doctor know.
If your postpartum cramps or pain is more than you expected or seems to be getting worse, please talk to your doctor right away.
You will most likely get the ‘go-ahead’ to resume having sex at your six-week postpartum visit. Keep in mind that with postpartum hormone shifts, lack of sleep, and a changing/sore body, you may have a decreased sex drive.
Breast milk is the perfect balance of nutrients for your growing baby, plus it boosts their immune system lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Breastfeeding is also great for you as it helps you burn 500 calories per day of breastfeeding, making it easier to lose the baby weight.
Do not forget to talk to your doctor about how to speed the return of normal bowel and bladder function.
In this appointment, you should share your contraceptive plan with your doctor so he/she can help tailor birth control measures to suit you effectively.
In the first six weeks, abstinence and/or progesterone-only methods are the best to ensure your milk supply isn’t affected. Be sure to ask about the side effects of these methods if they aren’t mentioned. These effects could range from weight gain to mood changes, to effects on breastfeeding.
In summary, childbirth brings about a lot of changes in a woman’s life. These changes can be physical, emotional, or even mental.
Therefore, it is necessary to take your postpartum appointment with the doctor very important and ask all required questions in this article.
Remember, you are not alone.
During pregnancy, it is important to stay as active, healthy and calm as possible to…
Selecting the right healthcare provider for your pregnancy and childbirth is a big decision. The…
Baby-proofing your home is an essential part of your journey as a parent. It's a…
Babies require extra attention and tender, loving care due to their fragile nature. A major…
The pregnancy journey was long and tedious but you made it through. You have got…
The journey of parenthood is a remarkable experience, filled with many moments of joy and…