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6 week post stillbirth

87 replies

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 19:20

I recently experienced a stillbirth. I have my 6 week checkup coming up and im getting very nervous to go. Does anyone know if its ok to skip it? I also just got what i think is my first period. It was very light and lasted for 4 days. Did anyone else experience such a thing. Did you ovulate right away or did you have a few cycles?

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Mummyto3ginismyfriend · 23/01/2026 20:52

I had a full term stillbirth nearly 16 years ago. My cycles came back really quickly and was pregnant 3 months after. My son shared a due date with the son I lost. It gave me comfort. I had my son at 37 weeks so there was no risk of it happening again. Sands were brilliant with their support during my 2nd pregnancy. It was anxious and terrified the whole time. The care I got from the hospital team and midwives was exceptional the 2nd time round.

Tiptopflipflop · 23/01/2026 20:51

I hope I phrase this okay. Please know it is said with care and meaning well.

It feels to me from what you have said that, entirely understandably, the six week check feels like a looming presence. Perhaps it feels like this because it is part of the typical post-birth routine which has been shattered for you and so it feels particularly jarring.

Whilst I understand some PP suggesting you should go so you can be checked, if it feels wrong for you to seek that help as part of the "six week check" process then perhaps you would prefer to just ask for a regular appointment if there is something you would like advice on such as a physical check or a referral to a bereavement counsellor? It might feel less overwhelming outside of a specific six week check. Apologies if I am off the mark.

Perhaps someone else could call for you to make the arrangements if you do want an appointment? They could ask if there is a particular person who might be most supportive? They could also ask that you're not scheduled during e.g. a morning of six week checks or jab clinics.

Also, during covid many areas stopped doing physical six weeks check appointments unless you reported any physical difficulties. So if there is nothing you feel needs looking at, please don't feel you must have an examination.

Sending love and light.

Ipsevenenabibas · 23/01/2026 20:40

So sorry to all the mothers on this thread that have suffered a stillbirth or any similar loss. Sending love to you all.

vonkrumm · 23/01/2026 20:36

I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. I hope that you have some lovely, caring people to support you and your partner through this time. Sending lots of love your way.

May he be the brightest star in the sky.

Driftingawaynow · 23/01/2026 20:34

Love to you OP

PortSalutPlease · 23/01/2026 20:34

You can start trying when you want, but also don’t feel like you need to rush into anything you aren’t ready for - there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Just be as kind to yourself as you can, and to your body because this isn’t your fault. Sending you hugs. Flowers

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:31

Shefliesonherownwings
Your period was 11 days of heavy bleeding?my normal period is 5 days going from heavy to light. Now 6 weeks post partum it was 4 days of light bleeding

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WatalotIgot · 23/01/2026 20:29

Please go for your checkup in person. It is not just for the physical side of your body, it is also, particularly for you, a check on your mental health after such a sad outcome. Sending BIG MN Hugs.

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:26

we were told right after he was born we can start trying again right away.

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rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:21

I am so sorry to all the moms that had to experience this, its truly awful

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Shefliesonherownwings · 23/01/2026 20:21

Hello, I’m so sorry for your loss. I too had a full term stillbirth 6 years ago and the only reason I went to my 6 week check was to confirm we could start trying again. I was desperate to have a baby in my arms and to bring a baby home.

My post partum bleeding stopped after about 2 weeks and then 2 weeks later I had what was my first period which lasted 11 days, then my next period about 5 weeks later and that was a more ‘normal’ length.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, it is truly horrific to have to come home from giving birth without your baby. Just take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and please reach out for professional help if you feel you need it. I waited too long and I ended up in quite a dark place. Happy to PM if you want to chat xx

TheQuirkyPombear · 23/01/2026 20:15

My daughter was stillborn born 16 years ago. I was caught out as I had a period very quickly after. Yes you can get pregnant straight away. I friend I met through losing my daughter did accidentally. I had to wait as I had a section when they tried to save her. My rainbow was born a year to the day. I am sorry for your loss. Have you contacted sands the baby loss charity? I also joined a forum and met other mums online. We are still in contact 16 years later. X

WonderingWanda · 23/01/2026 20:13

I also just wanted to say I'm so sorry that you've gone through that and can totally understand, as I am sure your gp why the 6 week check is so difficult for you. Sending love and strength your way.

Wallabyone · 23/01/2026 20:11

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:10

RosesAndHellebores thats amazing to hear. i feel like you understand me, that i cant in any way imagine walking into that office now after hearing the traumatic news. i hope one day very soon ill go with better news

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mumofoneAloneandwell · 23/01/2026 20:10

Just want to wish you well, on what must be a tough road ❤️. My condolences, may your baby boy rest in eternal peace xx

RosesAndHellebores · 23/01/2026 20:08

Honestly @rosepedal it was 28.5 years ago for me now - slightly different circs as ds2 was born, unwell, at 27 weeks. I have very little recollection of that time, but didn't have the 6 week check as I couldn't face it. DD was born 51 weeks later and I was very well looked after. It was a very cathartic birth.

With love.

pimplebum · 23/01/2026 20:04

so so sorry to hear of this, do you want to tell us more about your wonderful boy ? Did he look like your side of the family ?

big hugs and prayers

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:03

im trying to chill out about ttc again. i dont want to become neurotic. it can make you go crazy

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rosepedal · 23/01/2026 20:01

Thats wonderrful to hear

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Oxborn · 23/01/2026 20:01

So so sorry for your loss x

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 23/01/2026 19:59

I was ovulating again within 2 months. I had one period maybe 6-8 weeks after DD1 was stillborn, and then got pregnant again in month 3. DD2 was born almost exactly a year after DD1.

rosepedal · 23/01/2026 19:54

i called and they said i can do a phone call. So that is a big relief. i just want to see my cycles going back to normal, periods and ovulation

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Placetobreathe · 23/01/2026 19:44

I'm just so , so sorry OP.

I've been through a similar loss myself so I really can empathise with how you must be feeling.

Sending you love

Mcdhotchoc · 23/01/2026 19:43

If you do go, make absolutely certain that you are not booked in a block of 6 week checks etc. My last GP used to do them all at once point of the week eg Wednesday morning