Checklist for your 6-week postnatal check-up

What might my postnatal check involve?

Six-week postnatal checks can vary depending on your GP practice and how long your appointment is. Our #HiddenHalf campaign won funding for a dedicated six-week postnatal check for all mums in England, so if you live in England you're entitled to this.

The six-week check is a great opportunity to discuss any problems or questions you’re having. You can also ask your GP to examine you if you feel something’s wrong. It’s all too easy to say everything’s ok when you’re not feeling ok – and that’s when a checklist comes in handy.

Checklist: what to think about before your six-week check-up

Here’s what should be covered in your six-week check. Try to have a think about them beforehand. You could make a list to take with you covering everything you’d like to chat with your GP about (NHS, 2016a).

1. How you are really feeling (see below)? And do you feel supported?
2. Vaginal discharge – have you had a period since giving birth? Do you have any unusual discharge, for example large blood clots or symptoms of thrush?
3. If you had a caesarean birth, episiotomy or tear - are your stitches healing OK? Do you feel any pain?
4. Going to the toilet – are you leaking any wee? Are you farting or pooing when you didn’t mean to? Are you experiencing any pain when you go for a poo?
5. Would you like some advice about doing pelvic floor exercises?
6. Breast health and feeding – if you’re breastfeeding, is it going ok? Do you have any mastitis symptoms?
7. Legs – do you have any varicose veins? Do you have any swelling or any leg symptoms that might suggest a blood clot?
8. Weight – would you like some advice on healthy eating or exercise?
9. Medical problems – did you have a medical problem that appeared or worsened in pregnancy that the GP should check up on?
10. Contraception – do you plan to use it and if so, what type would you prefer?
11. Smear test – did you miss a smear test because you were pregnant and need to reschedule it?
12. MMR – have you had two doses of MMR? You can have them done by your practice nurse but should avoid getting pregnant until a month after having an MMR vaccination.

(Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, 2016; NHS, 2016b; NHS, 2017; NHS, 2018a; NHS, 2018b; NHS, 2018c; UCLA Health, 2018)

Your GP is there to help, so do try to share any worries and concerns you have.

How do you really feel?

Becoming a parent is a massive life change, and it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed after you give birth. But if your feelings start to affect how you live your life, you might have a mental health problem (Mind, 2016a).

Is it common to feel like this?

Some sources say around one in five women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth (MIND, 2016a). Yet a survey by NCT found that half of new mothers experience emotional problems during this time. Sadly, as many as 60% of these mothers who were experiencing emotional problems felt too worried or ashamed to be able to discuss them (NCT, 2017).  

So if you are experiencing emotional problems, you’re certainly not alone (Mind, 2016b).

What can the GP do?

You could speak to your GP about getting some help and support, and take a look at the support details in the Further information section below. It’s definitely worth discussing any problems as 82% of women say that treatment really does help (NCT, 2017).

Just don’t forget that list…