Postpartum exams for the mother

Gynecologist visit

After childbirth, a follow-up visit to the gynecologist is necessary. In the case of a vaginal delivery, see a gynecologist after the postpartum period, which is 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. If you had a C-section, make an appointment after about one month. The doctor will perform a gynecological exam, check if the perineum is healing well, and if the uterus is contracting. If you had a C-section, they will examine your scar.

Blood test

After the postpartum period (6 to 8 weeks after birth), it is advisable to have a complete blood count (CBC) done. Come for the blood draw in the morning, on an empty stomach. A special indication for a blood test is gestational anemia. Also, have a CBC done if you feel worse than usual.

Blood glucose level

If you are among the women who had diabetes during pregnancy, you should have your blood sugar tested approximately 2 months after childbirth. Usually, everything returns to normal after childbirth, but there is a risk of type 2 diabetes. If your sugar levels remain high, make an appointment with a diabetologist.

Blood pressure measurement

After childbirth, it is advisable to check your blood pressure, especially if you had a problem with hypertension during pregnancy. Rest before the test, as the result could be distorted. The ideal pressure is 120/80 mmHg, but the norm is a pressure between 139 mmHg (systolic) and 89 mmHg (diastolic).

Urine

If you had problems with the urinary tract during pregnancy, if you had an infection, or if you feel pain or discomfort even if a few weeks have passed since childbirth, it is advisable to have a urine analysis done. Urine should be straw-colored, acidic, and have a specific gravity in the range of 1.016–1.022 g/l. Any abnormal result should be discussed with a doctor.

Read more if you have a problem with urinary incontinence after childbirth.

Smear test

A few months after the baby's birth, you should have a cytology (smear test) done. This way, neoplastic lesions can be detected, and this test should be done regularly. The cytological examination is quick and painless. Using a special spatula, the doctor takes a sample from the vaginal disc of the cervix for analysis.

Reminder: The day before the examination, you should not have sexual intercourse. You should also not use douching or vaginal suppositories 3 days before your doctor's appointment. If you have already started menstruating again, make an appointment for an examination one week after the bleeding stops. If you have not yet resumed menstruation, the test can be performed on any day.

Breast examination

As part of cancer prevention, it is also advisable to have a breast ultrasound after lactation. Of course, there are no contraindications to performing an ultrasound during breastfeeding, but the result may be unreliable due to lactation.