Our next stop today is to find out what you can expect from your health care team when you go in for your postpartum check up.
Today we're going to talk about what you can expect when you visit your provider after your baby is born. We usually schedule this visit from 4 - 6 weeks after your delivery, and our goal at this check-up is to make sure you've healed properly and that your body is well on it's way back to normal. Before your appointment, it's a good idea to put together a list of any questions that you may have, so that you remember to ask your provider.
During this visit, your provider will check your blood pressure and your weight. At this point, 4 - 6 weeks after having your baby, you will probably have dropped at least 17 - 20 pounds. Your provider will also feel your abdomen to make sure your uterus has returned to the size and shape that it was before you were pregnant.
Your provider will also do a pap test, to confirm that your cervix is on it's way back to normal and that the muscles in your vagina are getting back in shape. If you had an episiotomy or tear when your baby was born, your provider will check to make sure you've healed well. If you had a C-section, the incision will be looked at.
During this appointment, your provider will also examine your breasts, and discuss any problems that you may be having. If you're worried about the "Baby Blues", or have any other physical or emotional concerns, be sure to tell your provider.
At this visit, your provider will also talk to you about birth control. You may have heard that you can't get pregnant if you're breast-feeding, but this is NOT TRUE. Although it is unlikely if you are breastfeeding, a new mom can become fertile again as early as 3 to 6 weeks after her baby is born. Remember, you are fertile as soon as you start to ovulate again, and it’s very difficult to predict just when that ovulation will begin.
If your provider feels that your cervix has healed enough, he may prescribe a diaphragm during this office visit. If you're not breast-feeding and plan to take birth control pills, you may get a prescription for them. If your cervix is not ready for a diaphragm and you are breast-feeding, your provider may suggest that your partner use condoms during this time.
Finally, if you plan to have more children, this is a good time to get your provider's advice about how long you should wait before getting pregnant again. If you've had a C-section, your provider may remind you about V-BAC, or "vaginal birth after Cesarean". This is an option for you if you decide to have another child.
Some providers routinely suggest that new moms wait at least 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity. Other providers base the waiting time on the kind of labor and delivery that the mom experienced.
It’s safe to return to sexual activity when your cervix and perineum are completely healed and your lochia has stopped. If you feel that you’re up to resuming your sex life sooner than 6 weeks after your delivery, please check with your provider first.