The postnatal check: Questions to Bring About Your Recovery

The postnatal check is an appointment about your recovery and wellbeing after birth. In NHS care it is usually offered at six to eight weeks, while arrangements elsewhere may differ. It is one part of ongoing care, not a reason to wait with a new symptom or a certificate that recovery is complete.

Make sure the appointment is about you too

Your baby may have a check around the same time, but your health needs its own attention. Ask the practice how the appointments are arranged and whether you can have a separate appointment if that would help. Contact them if you have not been offered a check.

Bring a short list of the concerns you most want addressed. It can help to start with the symptom affecting daily life most, rather than leaving it until the end of the consultation. Tell the practice in advance if you need an interpreter, access support or more time.

Describe physical recovery clearly

Discuss ongoing pain, bleeding, wound concerns, bladder or bowel symptoms and difficulties returning to ordinary activities. If you had blood pressure problems, diabetes or another pregnancy complication, ask which follow up has already happened and what is still needed. Some checks are required earlier than this routine visit.

A clinician may offer an examination when relevant and should explain it and seek your agreement. The perineal recovery guide and bladder leakage guide can help you describe symptoms that are easy to feel embarrassed about.

Include emotional health and sleep

Tell the clinician about persistent sadness, anxiety, distressing birth memories or difficulty sleeping even when you have a chance to rest. You do not have to appear overwhelmed for your symptoms to deserve care.

Explain what support you have at home and where it is not enough. Our baby blues and depression guide outlines signs worth discussing. If you feel unsafe or develop sudden severe mental health symptoms, seek urgent help instead of waiting for this appointment.

Ask about feeding, sex and future plans

Mention breast pain, feeding difficulties, painful sex or concerns about contraception. Ask whether any medicines, vaccinations or routine screening need review. Bring your medicine list so instructions can be checked against what you are actually taking.

You can discuss returning to exercise without treating the appointment as automatic approval for every activity. Explain the activity you want to resume and any symptoms that occur when you try it.

Leave with a clear next step

Ask what the clinician thinks is happening, what treatment or referral is planned and when to expect review. Clarify how to obtain results and whom to contact if symptoms persist. Keep a note of unresolved questions for another appointment if needed.

Heavy bleeding, severe headache with visual symptoms, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever or worsening pain need prompt medical attention. Routine follow up should support recovery while urgent concerns are assessed when they arise.