GP 6-8 Week Check up

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6-8 week GP check-up

What is a GP 6 to 8 week post-birth check up

Your GP surgery will offer you a check 6 to 8 weeks after you give birth, to make sure you feel well and you are recovering as you should. Your baby’s health will also be checked around this time by a GP. This check is known as the baby’s ‘6 to 8 week check’.

Sometimes both appointments are combined but it is important to remember that your health and wellbeing are of great importance and that during this appointment you should not feel rushed or under pressure whilst discussing and sharing any concerns. You don’t need to worry; your baby will receive attention too and there will be enough time for you both to be seen by the GP.

What happens at your post-birth check up?

physical
relationships
social-and-emotional
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This is a good time to ask any questions and talk about your recovery, general health, and any worries you may have. During this appointment, your GP will focus on the following elements of your wellbeing:

  • Social/emotional
  • Relationships
  • Physical

Discussing your wellbeing after birth will provide you with an opportunity to talk about your recovery and gain some helpful advice and guidance. Discussions may vary according to where you live, but the following topics are likely to come up:

How you’re feeling as part of a general discussion about your mental health and wellbeing

If you still have any vaginal discharge/bleeding and whether you’ve had a period since birth

You will be offered a blood pressure check if you had problems during pregnancy or immediately after the birth

You may be offered an examination to see if your stitches have healed if you had an episiotomy (cut to the skin of the perineum) or vaginal tear or caesarean section

If you were due for cervical screening (a smear test) while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth

The type of contraception you are using, if any.

You may be offered advice about the use of vitamin D supplements if you’re breastfeeding (vitamin D should help both you and your baby).

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, you may be offered to be weighed. Your doctor will be able to provide you with weight loss advice and guidance on healthy eating and physical activity.

It’s important to tell your doctor if…

you’re feeling sad or anxious – being a new parent can sometimes feel overwhelming. Do not feel you have to struggle alone or put on a brave face. It’s not a sign that you’re a bad parent. You may need some extra support. Your doctor or health visitor can provide help, care, and appropriate guidance.

you’re having trouble with your bladder and/or bowel – problems with holding in your wee, or poo.

you’ve had sex since giving birth and it’s painful.

you’re not sure you’ve had all of the current recommended adult vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine.

Writing down any questions or concerns you may have is probably a good idea, whenever your sleep-deprived brain remembers them! The following checklist has been designed to help you organise your thoughts and prepare for your 6-8 week GP appointment:
The above checklist is currently being trialled at four GP surgeries across Suffolk and north east Essex, with a plan to incorporate all surgeries during 2024.

Further support

Remember, whilst waiting for your 6 to 8 week check-up, if you are experiencing any problems or have any concerns during your recovery, it is best to speak with your surgery or perhaps contact the support organisations featured below. Your Health visitor is a recommended point of contact for ongoing advice and support throughout the first few years of your baby’s life.
Social and emotional

Social & emotional

Physical

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