The Postpartum Check-Up
About 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, you will need a check-up to make sure your body is healing without problems. If you have a Cesarean delivery, you may have your check-up sooner than if you had a vaginal delivery.
Physical Exam
- Weight: A woman usually returns to her non-pregnant weight about 6 months after delivery. The postpartum period is ̄not the time to diet. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is low-fat. Talk to your doctor or nurse about weight loss after delivery for advice.
- Blood Pressure: This is a routine check to be sure your blood pressure is in a normal range.
- Breast Care: Your doctor will check your breasts for lumps and nipple problems. Your doctor or nurse will also show you how to do breast self exams. Give yourself a breast exam every month a week after your period.
- If you are bottle feeding and not pumping breastmilk, your breasts will usually return to their normal shape and size in 4 to 6 weeks. Do monthly breast self exams.
- If you are breastfeeding, your breasts still may be full and feel firm by the 6th week. Checking your breasts daily for lumps or plugged ducts can help prevent problems with discomfort or infection.
- Abdominal Incision: If you had a Cesarean delivery or your tubes were cut or tied off, you have an incision. Your incision will be checked to make sure healing is complete.
Pelvic Exam
This part of the check-up is an internal exam to check the health of your ovaries, uterus (womb), cervix (opening into the womb) and vagina (birth canal). Your perineum, the area around the birth canal, also will be checked for healing.
- Perineal Area: Your doctor or nurse will examine the areas around the vagina, urethra (opening of the bladder), and rectum for healing.
- Vagina and Cervix: Your doctor or nurse will slide a thin piece of plastic or metal, called a speculum, into the vagina. A speculum is a duck bill shaped instrument used to hold the vagina open during the exam. A few cells will be taken from your cervix and tested in a laboratory. This is a Pap Smear test and routine in a postpartum check-up.
- Uterus and Ovaries: The last part of the exam is checking your uterus and ovaries. Your health care professional will feel the shape and size of both. Vaginal bleeding or lochia often stops in the first 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Bleeding that begins 1 month after delivery is usually your period. A rectal exam may be part of the internal exam if you have had a long or deep episiotomy.
Ask Questions!
After your exam, your health care professional will tell you how well your body has healed from delivery. Ask any questions you have about returning to work, exercising, birth control methods, or other health concerns.