Top 10 Questions To Ask At 6 Week Postpartum Visit

You’ve dedicated the past nine months preparing for the arrival of your precious child, and now that delivery and labor are behind you, it’s time for your six-week maternity exam. In the whirlwind of caring for your new baby, it’s easy to overlook your own needs. However, this postpartum visit is crucial for you as a new parent.

While your doctor may enjoy admiring your adorable infant, this appointment is all about you. It’s an opportunity to focus on postpartum self-care, which is essential for your health and healing.

During your six-week postpartum appointment, take the time to ask your doctor these questions:

Questions To Ask At 6 Week Postpartum Visit

Were there any problems with my delivery that I ought to be aware of?

The time to ask about any remaining concerns is now, even though it’s likely that your doctor or nurse covered this when you gave birth. It is encouraging to feel positive about your birthing process. Additionally, if you had an unplanned C-section, this is a good opportunity to ask your doctor if you could attempt for a vaginal delivery the following time.

What advice do you have for my upcoming pregnancies?

Your doctor will probably have suggestions for a subsequent pregnancy based on how easy or challenging your pregnancy and birth were. For instance, if you had premature labour, your doctor might advise progesterone supplementation, additional ultrasounds to check your cervix length, and/or the implantation of a cerclage during a subsequent pregnancy. They might advise taking baby aspirin in the future if you experience preeclampsia or maternal hypertension.

Some of these may have come up during or before your birth, according to your physician. However, given the enthusiasm and occasionally chaos that surrounded the delivery, you might have forgotten most of what they said. Therefore, it would be wise to revisit this topic at your following visit when there are fewer interruptions.

Also, don’t neglect to ask your doctor what your problems were, why they occurred, and if there is anything that you can do to help avoid them in the future.

How can I relieve pregnancy discomfort?

The discomfort and swelling in your perineum can be significantly reduced by using a cold compress while sitting or a frozen cushion. Additionally, you might discover that all you require in terms of painkillers is to take an anti-inflammatory like aspirin. Your doctor will need to recommend some stronger painkillers if you had a C-section because you might need them. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner right away if your pain is more intense than you anticipated or seems to be getting worse.

Is the bleeding I have normal?

It’s common to experience lochia, also known as hemorrhaging and secretion, in the weeks after giving birth. Three weeks after giving birth, the bulk of the haemorrhaging will stop. But many women will continue to produce lochia for 6–8 weeks after giving birth. There will be days when menstruation is heavy (like a period), and days when it is only spotting. The amount of blood you are having needs to be discussed with your doctor. A pelvic check will be done by your doctor to make sure the bleeding is regular. If you are entirely nursing, your cycles will probably continue to be missing or irregular until you wean your infant.

Do I need to get any shots, medicines, or blood tests?

If you were discovered to be rubella-immune but not resistant to the MMR vaccine, your doctor might advise you to get it. Or, if you began taking any drugs while pregnant (like blood pressure or thyroid medicine), your doctor may advise continuing, changing the dosage, or stopping altogether at your 6-week checkup. Additionally, if you had prenatal diabetes, you should undergo postpartum testing because your chance of getting diabetes after giving birth remains elevated. This conversation is crucial to improving your general wellbeing and maximising your health going forward.

What can I do to prevent chapped genital skin?

A frequent issue in the postpartum period is vaginal dryness. This is particularly valid for nursing mothers. Many women neglect to question their carers about this problem as well. Occasionally, over-the-counter oils are insufficient. To alleviate your complaints while nursing, your doctor might suggest a non-hormonal solution like hyaluronic acid or an oestrogen cream.

How can I tell if postpartum depression is affecting me?

At your visit six weeks after giving birth, your doctor should conduct a postpartum depression evaluation. A widely used study is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Inventory. Knowing the distinction between postpartum sadness and depression is crucial because about 70% of women experience them.

Both experience the same levels of worry, sadness, crying, and insecurity when it comes to caring for a baby. But one can tell them apart based on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms. It’s crucial to be open with your provider about your emotions if you want to receive the best treatment possible. As decided by your physician, the initial course of therapy may include counselling, behavioural changes, or medicines.

Can I resume my sexual activity now?

At your six-week postpartum appointment, you’ll probably be given the all-clear to start having sexual relations again. A decline in sex desire may be a result of postpartum hormone changes, sleep deprivation, and an altered or sore body. Hold on to hope. You’ll discover your new rhythm with your companion.

What role does breastfeeding play? Are these medications secure? Can I have a glass of wine?

This is an important question to ask at your 6 week post partum visit. Your newborn gets the ideal nutritional mix from breastmilk, which also strengthens their immune system and reduces their risk of SIDS. Additionally beneficial to your health, breastfeeding can eventually lower your chance of developing certain malignancies.

What contraception choices do I have?

Asking about birth control at your 6-week postpartum appointment is an excellent idea. There are lots of choices, even for nursing mothers! The most popular changeable choices include condoms, pills, implants, and IUDs, though there are many others. Pre-existing illnesses as well as personal and family planning objectives will be taken into account.

How can I relieve constipation?

Although postpartum constipation is normal, there are many methods to help you poop more naturally. Remember to ask your doctor how to hasten the restoration of regular digestive and bladder function. Constipation softeners are mild and secure, like Miralax and Colace. You might also have picked up on some urine leakage. This could go on for as long as 12 weeks after delivery. In addition, think about visiting a pelvic floor practitioner.

How can I regain my pre-pregnancy body?

Recognize your postpartum body’s attractiveness first. The wonder of bringing life into this world is symbolized by all the changes in your body. The glory of living makes every scar, stretch mark, and pound worthwhile. Some changes will be irreversible, and you should embrace those changes as a reflection of what your body has accomplished. Ask your doctor about diastases recti (the separation of your abdominal muscles) if you detect a bulge in your midsection. Physical therapy can be used to address this condition. You can return to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly if you breastfeed. And be sure to inquire when you can start exercising again (you’ll usually be able to start exercising at six weeks after giving birth).

How long must I delay before trying to conceive again?

Although it might be the last thing on your mind, this query is crucial! Short interpregnancy intervals, especially those of less than six months, have been linked to substantial negative results. However, reports of an elevated risk with intervals of up to 18 months have been made. Maternal anemia, preterm labor, an early rupture of the membranes, and placental abruption are some of these possible consequences. Your provider might suggest a different timetable based on the specifics of your birth.

Do I need to get any vaccines?

Some vaccinations that you might need to get postpartum but couldn’t get while you were expecting will keep you and your infant healthy. For instance, it is not advisable to administer the measles and chicken pox immunisations while pregnant, so make sure you have all of your shots.

When will I next see you?

You probably had a rapport with your provider by the conclusion of your pregnancy. When you abruptly have to go six weeks without seeing them after seeing them once a week (or even more frequently) towards the end of your pregnancy, it can be heartbreaking. Unbelievably, your doctor and the office employees probably share the same sentiments! Make careful to find out when your Pap smear and/or next well-woman check are scheduled. The suggested rules for how frequently Pap smears are required have recently been modified by ACOG. However, regular blood tests, STI screenings, and annual pelvic and breast exams are still advised. Your next appointment’s scheduling will depend on a number of things, including your latest lab findings, any current conditions you may have, and your age.

Conclusion:

Lastly, remember that there are no silly questions during your postpartum appointment. Your doctor’s duty and pleasure are to accompany you on your prenatal and postpartum journey because they’ve been in your shoes before.

These inquiries should help you compile a list of topics to discuss at your 6-week postpartum appointment. No question is trivial, and your provider will be happy to assist with any inquiry you have in mind.