The postpartum checkup, usually 6 weeks after birth, ensures the mother is physically, mentally, and emotionally well. It includes a pelvic exam, breast and nipple examination, and emotional screening for postpartum depression. C-section incisions are also checked.
A postpartum checkup is a woman’s first physical exam after giving birth. The checkup usually takes place a month and a half after the baby is born, but can happen earlier if a caesarean section has been performed. During the postpartum checkup, a doctor will make sure that the woman is physically, mentally, and emotionally well.
A pelvic exam is an important part of the postpartum checkup. Occasionally, the vagina tears during childbirth. In some cases, a small cut, known as an episiotomy, is made in the skin to facilitate delivery. During your checkup, your doctor will make sure that any lacerations or incisions are healing properly. He will also examine your cervix to make sure it has contracted to its normal size. If the cervix remains open, there may still be pieces of the placenta in the uterus, which can lead to an infection and bleeding.
In some cases, the postpartum checkup includes a rectal exam to make sure the woman doesn’t have hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also do a papanicolau (PAP) smear. She should also inspect your uterus to make sure it has returned to its normal size and your ovaries to make sure there are no unusual growths.
Examination of the breasts and nipples is an important part of postpartum follow-up, especially if a woman is breastfeeding. One thing your doctor will check for is blockage of the milk ducts. Bacteria trapped in the ducts can develop into an infection called mastitis. Signs of mastitis include a burning sensation and redness around the nipples as well as body pain and fever. Mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics.
If a woman has had a C-section, the incision will be looked at for follow-up to make sure it is healing well. The rest of the stomach area will also be examined to make sure it has returned to approximately its pre-pregnancy size. A doctor may ask if a woman has experienced changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or urine leakage. The checkup will also include standard procedures, such as weighing the patient and taking her blood pressure.
Another important part of the postpartum checkup is making sure the woman is well emotionally. Your doctor should ask if you feel overwhelmed or excessively tired. A woman who is struggling emotionally after giving birth may be screened for postpartum depression and be referred to a therapist. To receive proper treatment, it is important for the patient to be honest about how she feels after giving birth.
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