Your Postpartum Exam

After giving birth, your ob gyn or midwife will tell you to schedule a postpartum exam for about 4-6 weeks. You might be tempted to skip it because you're busy adjusting to new motherhood, but don't! The postpartum exam is critical for your well being.

You may still have some aches and pains related to pregnancy or childbirth. And you'll definitely have loads of questions about postpartum issues such as breastfeeding, exercise, sex, and even childcare. You should start jotting questions down right after you get home from the hospital (obviously, if there is anything urgent, call your doctor right away. There's no need to wait until your postpartum check-up).

The postpartum exam also gives your doctor the opportunity to check on your overall health, including any vaginal bleeding, urinal incontinence, or abdominal discomfort. Here are other topics your caregiver will probably discuss in the postpartum exam:

• Any complications you had during pregnancy and delivery—especially since you might not remember exactly what happened!
  
• Your emotional well-being: How are you adjusting to being a mom? Are you experiencing any symptoms of postpartum depression?
  
• Breastfeeding: If you're breasteeding, how's it going?
  
• Diet and exercise: Is it okay to start exercising? What's the best way to lose the pregnancy pounds?
  
• Birth control: What are your options?
  
• Sex: Are you physically and emotionally ready to have sex?
  
  

Your doctor will also check your weight and blood pressure, check your abdomen, examine your breasts, and do an internal pelvic exam to make sure that everything has healed properly.