Postpartum care is an ongoing process rather than a single check-up. Recovery includes physical healing, emotional wellbeing, infant feeding, sleep, contraception and management of pregnancy-related conditions.

Arrange early postpartum contact and a comprehensive follow-up plan.

Discuss mood, feeding, pain, bleeding, sleep and contraception openly.

Know the warning signs that require emergency assessment.

What postpartum follow-up covers

Follow-up should address healing after vaginal or caesarean birth, blood pressure, bleeding, pain, bladder and bowel symptoms, breastfeeding or feeding support, sleep, emotional health, contraception and birth spacing.

Pregnancy complications such as hypertension or gestational diabetes may require specific tests and longer-term follow-up.

Emotional wellbeing

Mood changes can occur after birth. Persistent sadness, severe anxiety, panic, inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps, frightening thoughts or feeling unable to cope should be discussed promptly.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are medical conditions and deserve timely, non-judgmental care.

Physical recovery

Gradual activity, adequate nutrition and hydration, wound or perineal care, and pain management should be individualised. Ask before resuming strenuous exercise or sexual activity, particularly after complications or surgery.

Planning future health

Postpartum visits are an opportunity to review contraception, future pregnancy timing, vaccination, cervical screening, anaemia, thyroid disease, diabetes risk and cardiovascular health.

When to seek urgent careEmergency symptoms include heavy bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizure, fainting, severe headache or visual change, high fever, severe abdominal pain, one-sided leg swelling, or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.

Medical note: This page is educational. Diagnosis, tests and treatment must be individualised after a clinical consultation. Do not delay emergency care because of information on this website.