What to expect from your six-week post-natal appointment

If you’re heading toward your sixth week as a new mum, you likely have your post-natal check-up in the calendar.

Your baby will also need a check-up six weeks after birth, but your GP can do your postnatal check and your baby's 6-week check during the same appointment.

It’s recommended that you make a list of questions before this appointment as it’s a great chance to get advice on anything you’re unsure or worried about.

What to expect

According to the HSE’s website, your GP or obstetrician will usually talk to you about:

• any worries you may have
• the birth - what type of birth you had, whether there were any complications and how you are recovering
• contraception - you can get pregnant very soon after giving birth. If this is not what you want, speak with your doctor about contraception
• postnatal depression - they may ask you about signs of postnatal depression.
• if you are due a cervical smear - your GP or obstetrician will schedule a smear for 3 months after the birth.

Your postnatal check can also include checking:

• blood pressure, particularity if you had high blood pressure during or after your pregnancy
• weight - if your body mass index (BMI) is high, your doctor will give you some advice on ways to reduce this

If you had a caesarean section, an episiotomy or a tear during birth, they may also examine the wound.

The experts at the HSE also recommend you “tell your GP or obstetrician If you are finding it hard to control pee or poo, or if you are soiling yourself. 

“This is a common but upsetting problem that some people experience for a time after giving birth. Your doctor can help you with this.”

Your GP will also ask how feeding your baby is going and if they are doing well. They can support you during your breastfeeding journey, so be sure to let them know if you’re having difficulties.

Finally, the GP will offer you the MMR vaccine if your bloods show that your immunity to rubella is low.

According to health experts: “If you catch rubella during pregnancy it can cause complications for your baby. Getting the MMR after pregnancy will protect you from getting rubella in any future pregnancies.

“The MMR vaccine is safe to give while breastfeeding. But you should not get pregnant for one month after the vaccine.”

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