Ten questions to take to your postnatal check
Make your six-to-eight-week postnatal check count: what it usually covers, how to prepare, and ten honest questions about your body, mood and recovery.
By PreggieLover 3 min read
The appointment might last only fifteen minutes. You may be balancing a car seat on one knee, your baby may need feeding the moment you sit down, and the questions you had at 2am will suddenly disappear. The postnatal check, usually offered around six to eight weeks after birth by your GP, midwife or clinic, is a chance to talk about you, not just your baby. Here is how to make the most of it.
What the check usually covers
It varies by country and clinic, but your doctor or midwife will usually ask how you are healing, how you are feeling emotionally, and about bleeding, stitches or your caesarean scar. They may check your blood pressure, ask about feeding and talk about contraception. In some places your baby has a separate check at the same visit. If no postnatal check is offered where you live, it is reasonable to ask your clinic for one.
Before you go
- Keep a running note on your phone for a week beforehand, adding questions whenever they come to you.
- Put your most important question at the top, in case time runs short.
- Bring your maternity notes or discharge papers if you have them.
- Feed your baby just before, if you can, or bring someone with you to hold the baby.
- Wear clothes that are easy to lift or open in case you are examined.
Ten questions you might want to ask
- Is my body healing as it should? Ask them to look at stitches or your scar if anything feels sore, tight or different.
- Is my bleeding normal for this stage? Describe how heavy it is, its colour and whether it has stopped.
- When can I safely start exercise again? Ask what kind and how gradually, especially after a caesarean or a significant tear.
- What about my pelvic floor? Leaking when you cough, laugh or run is common, but it is not something you have to live with. Ask for exercises or a referral to a physiotherapist.
- Is sex going to hurt? Many mums are nervous about this. It is fine to ask about pain, dryness and when it is reasonable to try.
- What contraception suits me now? Mention whether you are breastfeeding, as this can affect which options are suitable.
- Is my tiredness normal? Ask whether a blood test for anaemia or thyroid problems would be sensible, especially if you lost a lot of blood.
- Can we talk about my mood? Be honest about tearfulness, worry, numbness or frightening thoughts. This question matters as much as any physical one.
- Can we talk about my birth? If parts of it are confusing or upsetting, ask whether you can go through your notes with someone.
- What should I watch for from here? Ask which symptoms mean you should come back or seek urgent care.
Saying the hard thing out loud
Many mums leave this appointment having said everything is fine, because it feels easier. If you are struggling, try a simple opening sentence such as: I'm not feeling like myself and I'd like to talk about it. Or: I have a question that's a bit embarrassing. Doctors and midwives hear these things every day. Your honesty gives them what they need to help you.
If you feel rushed or dismissed, it is acceptable to ask for a longer appointment, to book a follow-up, or to see someone else. You can also speak to your health visitor or midwife between appointments.
Don't wait for the check if something is wrong
The six-week appointment is a milestone, not a gate. If you have heavy bleeding, a fever, a wound that looks infected, a severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, or thoughts of harming yourself, contact your midwife or doctor straight away, or go to an emergency department.
Coming boldly
Hebrews 4:16 invites us to come boldly to God's throne to find help in our time of need. There is something freeing in that. God is not irritated by your questions or your neediness. And if you can come boldly to him, you can surely come plainly to your doctor, without apologising for taking up space. Asking for help is part of how God's care often reaches us.
A prayer before my appointment
Lord, give me clear words and an honest heart in that room. Help me remember what matters and to say what is true, even if it feels awkward. Give wisdom to the people caring for me, and peace to me whatever we discuss. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the postnatal check after birth?
It is usually offered around six to eight weeks after birth by your GP, midwife or clinic. Timing and format vary between countries, so ask your clinic what they offer.
What happens at a six-week postnatal check?
Your doctor or midwife usually asks about healing, bleeding, mood, feeding and contraception, and may check your blood pressure, stitches or caesarean scar.
This article is for general information and encouragement, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or midwife about your own health and your baby's.
