Why Postpartum Checkups Matters, Explained Simply
Postpartum Checkups: what it is, why it matters, and what published guidance actually asks of you.
Many serious pregnancy-related complications, including high blood pressure, infections, blood clots and depression, happen after delivery, and the postpartum period is a chance to plan ongoing care.
Key takeaways
- First contact with your care team: within the first 3 weeks after birth
- Comprehensive postpartum visit: no later than 12 weeks after birth
- Most useful single change: Book your postpartum appointments before you leave the hospital.
- Commonest mistake: Skipping the visit because you feel fine or are busy with the baby.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The short answer
Visits with your obstetric or primary care provider in the weeks and months after giving birth.
Where it fits
This is part of Pregnancy. The figures come first, because the advice only makes sense against them.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| First contact with your care team | within the first 3 weeks after birth |
| Comprehensive postpartum visit | no later than 12 weeks after birth |
| If you had high blood pressure in pregnancy | a blood pressure check within days of going home, as your team advises |
| Topics to cover | mood, sleep, healing, feeding, contraception and birth spacing, and chronic conditions |
| Warning signs to know | CDC's urgent maternal warning signs apply for the full year after birth |
What that means in practice
What that looks like in practice:
- Book your postpartum appointments before you leave the hospital
- Bring a list of questions and any home blood pressure or blood sugar readings
- Talk about contraception plans, including how soon after birth each method can be used
- Arrange ongoing care with a primary care doctor if you had gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or another condition in pregnancy
What gets people into trouble
The pitfalls worth knowing about:
- Skipping the visit because you feel fine or are busy with the baby
- Assuming heavy bleeding, a severe headache or leg swelling is just part of recovery
- Waiting until the 12-week visit to mention mood changes
Related topics
- What the Guidance Really Says About Men and Health Services (Men's Health)
- The Evidence on Eye Tests, Without the Hype (Eye Health)
- The Evidence on Hormones and Mood, Without the Hype (Thyroid and Hormones)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Annual Reviews (Long-Term Conditions)
Where to go next
- Your Questions About Postpartum Checkups, Answered
- Postpartum Checkups in Five Minutes
- Postpartum Checkups — the reference entry
- Pregnancy and Postpartum: The Complete Guide
- The Evidence on Prenatal Care Schedule, Without the Hype
- Folic Acid Before and During Pregnancy: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to speak to a doctor
Call your provider for heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, discharge that smells bad, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, a headache that will not go away, or a red, swollen, painful leg. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, a seizure, fainting or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Where this comes from
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Optimizing Postpartum Care
- CDC — Hear Her: Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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