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Some things will have settled down six weeks after your baby is born. Some things won't. But settled or not, you'll need to see your doctor.
Life has been revolving around your baby for so long now, it may seem strange to have an appointment that is just about you, but take the attention when you can get it.
A new baby ushers in a new life and it can turn out to be quite different from anything you've experienced before. Especially after a first baby, you may have lots of questions you want to ask. Write them down, you don't want to rely on your mommy brain's powers of recall for this.
Your doctor will have some information and questions for you too.
1) Breast health
Are you breastfeeding? Your doctor will examine your breasts on the lookout for signs of blocked milk ducts, as well as any masses or lumps.
2) Bladder and intestine health
Have you been doing Kegel exercises? Have you had any urine leakage or problems with your bowels? This type of situation can indicate that your bladder and intestines are still having after-effects from labor and delivery and need care.
3) Weight and blood pressure
Your weight and blood pressure will be checked, like in physicals you've had in the past.
4) Incisions and tears
Episiotomies and tears will be checked to be sure that healing is proceeding normally. C-section incisions will have already been examined at two weeks postpartum, and will be looked at again at six weeks.
5) Pelvic exam
Your doctor will do a pelvic examination to ascertain that your reproductive organs are going back to their prepregnancy condition, and to be sure that your uterus shows no signs of infection. Your ovaries will be examined, and a Pap test will be performed, which will count as your annual checkup.
6) Thyroid
Your doctor will check the size of your thyroid in your neck. This will indicate whether it is producing hormones normally.
7) Gestational diabetes
Women who had gestational diabetes in pregnancy will have their blood sugar checked.
8) Postpartum depression
Your doctor will be on the lookout for any signs of postpartum depression. Antidepressants, therapy and support groups are readily available for moms in need of them.
9) Sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse should be delayed during the first four to six weeks after giving birth. Tampons should not be used until healing is complete.
10) Contraception
Your ability to ovulate and conceive can return before your menstrual period does. Breastfeeding is not a surefire prevention of pregnancy. Birth control is in order very early on after your baby is born. What used to be your first contraceptive choice may not be your preference now. Talk to your doctor about various forms of contraception.
Sources:
Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/postpartum_first_6_weeks_after_childbirth...
Your 6 Week Postpartum Exam
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/6-week-postpartum-do...
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/6-week-postpartum-do...
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/6-week-postpartum-do...
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca
Reviewed December 30, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
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