What to Expect from your 6 Week Check
The “6 week check” is your post-partum review with your GP. It is a key check up to ensure your physical recovery and check on your mental well-being after having a baby. Having an idea of what to expect can help you get the most out of your 10 minute appointment.
Your birth story: Your 6 week check is an opportunity to tell your birth story. Unfortunately a lot of women describe their birth as traumatic and discussing this is important. If you need any further care regarding a traumatic birth you can be referred to your perinatal mental health team; they can go through your notes from your birth to explain what happened and also give you techniques to deal with any traumatic memories. Information and support can also be found at the Birth Trauma Association (1).
Your pelvic floor: Whether you had a caesarean section or a vaginal delivery, pregnancy and childbirth often leaves us with a weakened pelvic floor. This can look like leaking urine when you cough or sneeze, trouble holding in gas or a dragging heavy feeling around the vaginal opening. The main stay for getting back on track is to start your pelvic floor exercises early and be consistent with them. For more information on pelvic floor exercises see the NHS link below (2). If this is not enough on its own, you can be referred to a pelvic physiotherapist.
Scar management: If you have had a caesarean or an episiotomy, you can develop pain or numbness around the incision site. Your GP should offer to check that your scar is healing well and once your scar has healed encourage massage with a non-perfumed cream or oil to break down the scar. More information can be found at Tommy’s Website linked below (3).
Mental health: You should expect your GP to ask about any low moods, high levels of anxiety and about your bond with your baby. You are at higher risk of a mental health disorder in the post-partum period and so if you have even mild symptoms it’s important to discuss them and get a referral to your local peri-natal mental health team. More information can be found on the NHS website for signs and symptoms to look out for (4).
Contraception: It may seem too early to discuss contraception but with the WHO recommended 2 years physical recovery between births it’s important to have a plan. There is a wide range of options available to suit each individual’s needs. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service provides a comprehensive list of options linked below on their website (5).
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