This is an important appointment that should be done about 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.
Make an appointment for your postnatal check with your GP or obstetrician. They can check you are recovering from giving birth and that you are feeling well.
Your baby also needs a check-up 6 weeks after birth. Your GP or a paediatrician can do this check-up.
Your GP can do your postnatal check and your baby's 6-week check during the same appointment.
This visit to your GP is a good chance for them to meet your newborn. It is also a chance for you to ask questions or talk about any worries you may have.
Make a list of any questions you may have before your visit.
Your 6 week check after birth - HSE mychild.ie
What to expect from a postnatal check-up
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 may include checking your:
- 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
Your GP or obstetrician may examine your wound if you had a caesarean section, episiotomy or a tear.
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.
Bladder and bowel problems after the birth
Feeding your baby
Your GP will ask you about how you are feeding your baby, and whether your baby is feeding well.
Your GP or obstetrician is there to support you during breastfeeding. Let them know if you are having any difficulties.
Vaccinations
Your GP will offer you the MMR vaccine if your bloods show your immunity to rubella is low.
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.