Your postnatal check
You should have your postnatal check 6 to 8 weeks after your baby's birth to make sure you feel well and are recovering properly.
Your GP surgery should offer and provide you with a postnatal check. You can request an appointment for a check yourself, especially if you have any concerns. It's a good idea to make a list of questions to take along with you.
Your baby’s health should also be checked at around this time by a GP. This check is known as the baby’s 6 to 8 week check.
Your postnatal check can be done immediately before or after your baby's 6 to 8 week check. But it can also be done at a separate time if you would like it to be.
What may happen at your postnatal check
The following is usually offered, though this may vary according to where you live:
- You'll be asked how you're feeling as part of a general discussion about your mental health and wellbeing.
- You'll be asked if you still have any vaginal discharge and whether you have had a period since the birth.
- Your blood pressure will be checked if you had problems during pregnancy or immediately after the birth.
- You may be offered an examination to see if your stitches have healed if you had an episiotomy or caesarean section.
- If you were due for a cervical screening test while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth.
- You'll be asked about contraception.
- You may be given advice about the use of vitamin D supplements if you're breastfeeding (vitamin D should help both you and your baby).
- If you're overweight or obese, with a BMI of 30 or more, you may be weighed. Your doctor should give you weight loss advice and guidance on healthy eating and physical activity.
Tell your doctor if......
- you're feeling sad or anxious – looking after a baby can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don't feel you have to struggle alone or put on a brave face. It's not a sign that you are a bad mother. You need to get help, as you may have postnatal depression. Your doctor or health visitor can provide help and support.
- you're having trouble holding in your pee or wind, or you are soiling yourself with poo
- having sex is painful
- you're not sure you’ve had all of the current recommended adult vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine
See more about your post-pregnancy body.
You can find more information on pregnancy in the 'Your Pregnancy and Birth book'.