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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

6 week postnatal check

14 replies

MrsS93 · 01/03/2023 13:52

Hi,

I gave birth 3 weeks ago. Throughout my pregnancy I was told that I would have a checkup with my GP 6 weeks postpartum to check my recovery. I phoned my GP about this today and was told very a very surprised receptionist that they haven't done these in a long time. Is this normal? I spoke to the health visitor earlier this week who told me I needed to book this check myself.
I had a difficult birth and want to make sure my stitches have healed and that everything is ok. Is it normal to have no follow up after you leave the maternity ward?

OP posts:
bracemyselfagain · 01/03/2023 14:36

Entirely depends ...
I had a difficult birth in Dec, so I basically had to request one; rang up the GP's & had to tell receptionist why I felt it was necessary.
6wk checks aren't standard procedure for Mum's anymore.

shakeitoffsis · 01/03/2023 15:58

I gave birth in September. When I called to book babies first jabs they coincided my 8 week check then and it was done the same day. Very thorough too.

Thedogscollar · 01/03/2023 19:57

In my area the 6/8 week check is still very much happening. We advise mothers to book a double appt with GP one for them another for baby.
The GP should recheck your babys heart sounds and hips. Also if baby has an undescended testicle this can be rechecked by GP at this appt as by that time they have usually descended if not this can then be dealt with.

Absc · 01/03/2023 19:58

my gps sent me an appointment in the post for the 6 week check

TurquoiseDress · 02/03/2023 00:29

Yes the 8 week check for mum & baby is definitely still happening here in SE London

PointyMcguire · 02/03/2023 00:40

I think a lot of places are now combining it with the immunisations at 8wks, but if there’s a real need to be seen beforehand they should be able to book you in at 6wks.

tangeriiinedrream · 02/03/2023 06:32

I would just book a standard appointment if they are being difficult and tell the GP you were advised to be seen at a certain point after birth to be checked over.

cptartapp · 02/03/2023 06:47

We do them with the eight week check for babies.

FoxInSocksSatOnBlocks · 02/03/2023 06:51

It now tends to be at the same time as the 8 week check.

mydudero · 02/03/2023 09:55

I went for mine in the first lockdown, when GPs were seeing as few patients as possible face to face. If it was deemed important then I'd be very surprised if the advice has changed since!

Kathryn91 · 02/03/2023 09:58

My doctors rang me to book one in, but it’s only over the phone not face to face

QueenOfWeeds · 02/03/2023 10:01

I have a face to face booked in, but I also had the midwives offer to check my stitches at various check ups for the baby. Did they offer to do that for you?

rickandmorts · 02/03/2023 10:03

My GP doesn't do them anymore. I tried to mention a problem I was having at my baby's 8 week check/ jabs to be told it was her appointment not mine 😳 I'm in Yorkshire.

Kimberz · 02/03/2023 18:55

I had mine when baby had hers at 6 weeks

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