Which postnatal checks are the parent and baby offered after birth and when? In this article we explain the timeline of checks for the mother or birthing person. We also signpost to the article about baby checks.
What are the various postnatal checks?
There are four kinds of postnatal contacts with medical professionals after the birth.
- Mother or birthing person checks, which includes this 6-8 week check
- Baby checks
- Health Visitor checks
- Baby immunisations
Midwife checks
After the birth, the woman or birthing person's health will be checked. This is before the midwife leaves a home birth or before the woman leaves hospital. Another check is made within 36 hours of the first, usually at the home (NICE, 2021).
At every postnatal contact the midwife is checking on the mother’s wellbeing as well as the baby (NICE, 2021). There will be few checks if all is well, and more if there are any problems.
Around day 10 if all is well the midwife discharges the mother or birthing person’s care to the Health Visitor.
Health Visitor check at 1-2 weeks
Around 10-14 days after the birth, the health visitor will meet with the mother, birthing person, or intended parent (NHS, 2023).
Some of this visit is about the baby. They will also be providing support and information on feeding the baby and adjusting to the new role as a parent (NHS, 2023).
What is the 6-8 week check for the mother or birthing person?
Everyone who has given birth should be offered a postnatal consultation from a GP, 6-8 weeks after the birth (NHS England, 2023).
This is separate to the 6-8 week check for the baby, although the two might run back-to-back (NHS England, 2023).
The check is on the mother or birthing person’s health and wellbeing. So, if the baby has died, been adopted, or been removed, then the appointment will still happen (NHS England, 2023).
Who arranges the appointment?
The GP surgery should arrange the appointment, but anyone can request it if they haven’t heard or they have concerns earlier (NHS, 2022).
What if I'm already under specialist care?
The mother or birthing person may be seeing other specialists for a pregnancy or birth related condition. However, they should still have the 6-8 week check with the GP (NHS England, 2023).
The timing can be extended beyond 6-8 weeks if the mother or birthing person is still in hospital or the baby is in neonatal care (NHS England, 2023).
What if I need extra time?
If the mother or birthing person needs more time with the GP, they should be offered a further appointment. This should be whenever they feel able to do it (NHS England, 2023).
What happens at your 6-week check?
It can be helpful to know what will be discussed in advance. This gives the mother or birthing person time to think about anything they’d like to bring up.
Following the check the GP should refer on to other services where appropriate. During the check, the topics below will be covered (NHS, 2022; NHS England, 2023).
General physical and mental health
- It’s a good time to share how you have been feeling, and any worries or anxieties. If problems are found early, support can be given sooner. For more information on postnatal mental health read our articles.
- There may be a blood pressure check if there were any problems during pregnancy or after the birth.
- The check will look at any other prior or pregnancy related conditions, for example, gestational diabetes.
Pelvic health
Bleeding after birth
There will be a question about whether the postnatal bleeding has stopped, and if there has been a period since the birth. Find out more in our article about bleeding after birth.
Checking stitches
The GP will ask about any stiches from episiotomy or caesarean birth. They may offer to check them if there are concerns.
Some people find it useful to take photos over time to show how healing is progressing or not.
Continence
It’s a good idea to mention if there has been a problem with peeing, farting, or not being able to poo.
Find out more about recovery after birth, including pelvic floor exercises.
Family planning and health promotion
Cervical screening
If cervical screening was delayed because of pregnancy, then it should be rescheduled to 12 weeks after the birth.
Contraception and sex
The GP will ask about plans for contraception.
Some people may have found penetrative sex painful since birth, and others may not feel ready yet. Both are worth mentioning to the GP.
Read more about sex after birth.
Vitamin D
Guidance about Vitamin D may be offered if breastfeeding.
Weight and BMI
The woman or birthing parent might be invited to be weighed to calculate their BMI. As with all medical care, the mother or birthing parent can accept or decline.
The GP can provide guidance on healthy eating.
How to prepare for the check
This is a chance for the woman or birthing person to talk about anything that has been worrying them since the birth. Writing down any questions beforehand can ensure they’re not forgotten.
It is also an opportunity to check if you are up to date with the recommended adult vaccines.
Is it possible to have a support person?
If desired, the mother or birthing person can be accompanied by someone.
Further support
Our Infant Feeding Line is open every day of the year, from 8am to midnight. Phone for support, however you are feeding your baby. Call 0300 330 0700.
Find out more about NHS, local authority, and other services and support for you after having a baby.
NHS advice for solo parents.
Parents can get support on the early months on our New Baby course.
NHS (2022) Your 6-week postnatal check. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/support-and-services/your-6-week-postnatal-chec… [11 Jun 25]
NHS (2023) Your baby’s health and development reviews. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/height-weight-and-reviews/bab… [11 Jun 25]
NHS England (2023) GP six to eight week maternal postnatal consultation – what good looks like guidance. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/gp-six-to-eight-week-maternal-post… [11 Jun 25]
NICE (2021) Postnatal care [NG194]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng194/ [7 Jul 25]
