At your ante-natal classes you may have asked questions about recovery after birth and found that many of them received the same answer. How long will the bleeding after birth usually continue? Six weeks. How long does it take the uterus to shrink back to its previous size? Six weeks. How long will I take to heal? Six weeks. Of course this time-frame is only an approximate guide, but your doctor will schedule a post-partum check with you about six weeks after the birth of your baby to see whether your recovery is on track, and this is known as the six-week check. If you have had a caesarian section then you may see your doctor a few weeks earlier to check how your scar is healing.
What happens
Your doctor will examine your abdomen to see whether your uterus has shrunk down to its pre-pregnancy state and to check that it isn't tender. S/he will check your weight, blood pressure, and your iron levels if you had problems with iron deficiency at any time during pregnancy. Your doctor may also examine your breasts for any signs of unusual lumps or nipple discharge.
If you're due for a smear test then it's quite likely that one will be done at this check. And, although it's now very uncommon, should your antenatal tests have shown that you don't have rubella immunity then you'll be vaccinated right away.
Your doctor will ask you plenty of questions about how you're healing and how you're managing since giving birth and you'll be given a vaginal examination if you are experiencing problems with: healing of any tears or episiotomy scars, continued bleeding or pain during intercourse if you've already resumed sex.
What you will be asked
Your doctor will want to ascertain how you're coping psychologically as well as physically, and to be assured that you feel have enough support from friends and family.
It's usual to be asked about any problems you may have if you're breastfeeding (such as soreness or engorgement) or any other feeding concerns. You'll also be asked how your baby is progressing in terms of contentedness, feeding and general health. Another question is how you're sleeping, whether you're getting enough rest, how well you feel supported and how you're feeling emotionally following the birth. You may be asked to fill in a questionnaire to gauge how you're withstanding the emotional turmoil that new motherhood can bring.
Sex and contraception
As long as it appears that you're healing well your doctor will probably give the ok for resuming sexual relations with your partner. And while it may seem like an odd time to think about another baby, you'll almost certainly have a discussion with your doctor about what method of contraception you plan to use, particularly if you are breastfeeding, as this isn't compatible with all contraceptive methods.
If you have heard that breastfeeding is a good form of contraception in itself then there is some truth in this, however, it's not the most reliable form of contraception and its efficacy will decrease as soon as you feed less often than every few hours. What's more, you won't realise that you're fertile again until you get your first period after you've ovulated, so it is possible that you'll fall pregnant before that time.
If you've already started having sex again since the birth then don't worry, there's unlikely to any problem if you feel up to it. However, do tell your doctor if you have any pain or other problems related to intercourse.
