Postpartum concerns
After you have a baby, your doctor will schedule postpartum checkups to make sure you recover well. At these visits your obstetrician or primary care provider will do a physical exam – including a pelvic exam – to make sure your stitches or incision are healing and your uterus is shrinking back to its normal size. They will ask how you are feeling emotionally and screen for depression or anxiety. You can talk about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, sleep and fatigue, pain, bleeding and bladder or bowel problems like leaking urine or constipation. Your doctor should also check your blood pressure, especially if you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, because postpartum preeclampsia can occur up to six weeks after delivery. Together you can discuss sexual health, when it’s safe to resume sex, birth control options, and plans for future pregnancies. Postpartum care should begin within 3 weeks of giving birth, with additional visits as needed and a final comprehensive visit around 12 weeks
Postpartum treatment depends on your symptoms. Mild pain and soreness are often treated with over‑the‑counter pain relievers or prescription-strength analgesics. Stool softeners may be recommended for constipation. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements if you have anemia from blood loss. High blood pressure after childbirth (postpartum preeclampsia) is treated with medications that lower blood pressure, and intravenous medicine may be given to prevent seizures. Heavy bleeding after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage) is treated with medicines or procedures that help the uterus contract and, if needed, removal of retained placenta or surgery. Infections of the uterus (endometritis) are treated with intravenous antibiotics. For postpartum depression and anxiety, treatments include talk therapy and medications such as antidepressants or the short‑course medication zuranolone.
• Blood pressure readings – checking at home or in the office helps detect postpartum preeclampsia; call if your pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
• Complete blood count (CBC) – evaluates hemoglobin and hematocrit to detect anemia or infection.
• Blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance test – for women who had gestational diabetes, screening 6–12 weeks postpartum helps detect diabetes.
• Depression screening – brief questionnaires like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or PHQ‑9 identify mood disorders.
• Urinalysis or urine culture – checks for urinary tract infection if you have pain or fever.
• Additional tests – thyroid tests for postpartum thyroid problems or kidney/liver tests if you had preeclampsia.
No imaging is routine after childbirth. An ultrasound may be ordered if your doctor suspects retained placenta, infection or a blood clot, or if heavy bleeding does not stop.
Seek immediate medical help if you have any warning signs of serious postpartum problems. Call your doctor if you experience a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, severe headaches that do not go away, vision changes, shortness of breath, sudden swelling of your face or hands, nausea or pain in your upper belly, or sudden weight gain. Heavy bleeding that soaks through two pads an hour or passing large clots, pale or clammy skin, feeling faint or dizzy, rapid heart rate, or pain and swelling near the vagina can indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Fever, chills, feeling very tired or sick, belly pain and foul‑smelling vaginal discharge are signs of a uterine infection (endometritis) and need urgent care. Contact your doctor right away if you feel extremely sad, anxious or hopeless, have trouble caring for yourself or your baby, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your child
Your first postpartum visit should occur within 3 weeks of giving birth, with earlier visits (within 3–10 days) if you had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Additional visits may be scheduled as needed for breastfeeding support, mood concerns or other complications, and a comprehensive visit by 12 weeks marks the end of the postpartum period. Women who had gestational diabetes need a blood sugar test 6–12 weeks after delivery to check for diabetes.
To support your recovery, rest whenever you can and accept help with baby care and household tasks. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins help rebuild your strength. Keep your perineal area clean and follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for stitches or a C‑section incision. Gradually return to gentle activity when your doctor says it’s safe and do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles. Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs, and call your doctor if anything doesn’t feel right. Reach out for emotional support—talk with friends or family, join a support group and let your doctor know if you feel overwhelmed.
Your obstetrician/gynecologist leads your postpartum care and may work with other specialists. A lactation consultant can help with breastfeeding challenges. A mental health provider (such as a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist) can provide therapy and medications if you experience postpartum depression or anxiety. A cardiologist may be involved if you have high blood pressure or heart symptoms after birth . An endocrinologist may manage diabetes or thyroid problems identified during pregnancy or postpartum. A physical therapist can help with pelvic floor exercises or musculoskeletal pain. Social workers or postpartum support programs can connect you with resources like support groups, child care assistance and help with basic needs.