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Postnatal health

As with all health-related issues, please seek advice from a RL health professional if you're worried about anything.

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Original poster

6 week check with GP

15 replies

Creatureofthenight · 13/08/2017 17:58

Had 6 week post partum check a few days ago. GP checked blood pressure, asked about contraception- and that was it! Only looked at my c section scar at my request as there's a v small infected bit.
I felt like there should have been more, but not sure what - can anyone tell me if anything important was missed?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

littlemisssweetness · 13/08/2017 18:05

Did the ask about your mood at all? (Although in some places the HVs are now doing that part)

Original poster

Creatureofthenight · 13/08/2017 20:53

No but HV did at 4 week check.

OP posts:

Youvegotafriendinme · 15/08/2017 06:00

I thought that when I had mine. I felt they didn't really care about me and felt like it was a waste of my time.
Seems this is pretty common

Loraline · 15/08/2017 06:32

Yeah. After both children my 6 week check went 'how are you?', 'ok thanks ' 'good, now let's check the baby' (our checks were combined in one appointment) . Total waste of time. The one thing i did raise was brushed off fairly swiftly.

BornInALighthouse · 15/08/2017 06:45

I phoned to make the appointment. Over the phone doc said they don't do them any more and asked if I felt everything was ok. Nobody looked at my stitches after they were done at all. I know everywhere is stretched but I did feel let down.

Spam88 · 30/08/2017 07:12

I didn't even get one, so who knows of my stitches healed properly...

raviolidreaming · 30/08/2017 13:47

I didn't even get my blood pressure taken, let alone get my scar checked! It was just lumped in with baby's check.

BlueIsYou · 30/08/2017 13:58

Ffs they should definitely be checking people's stitches! Many women may not even know things aren't as they should be with the stitching.

The NHS does give me the sometimes

NinaMarieP · 30/08/2017 20:59

I've been reminded a few times by the midwives and health visitors about making an appointment for my six week check.

I made one for something else with a female dr and the receptionist asked if it was for a six week check so she could make sure it was a double appointment - so it sounds like I should get a reasonably thorough check up.

ChuffCloud · 02/09/2017 01:04

Mine prescribed me contraception without me even asking for it and said my weight was 'Not too bad' which I was somewhat offended by as I'm a size 8/10.

Dangermouse80 · 03/09/2017 14:50

Don't think they check stitches anymore unless you feel there is an issue. Only had it with my first 4 years ago. Subsequently they just ask if everything is ok and check the baby over.

PerpetualStudent · 03/09/2017 14:58

I forced my GP to check my (episiotomy) stitches at my check! Felt like I was being a right perv! No one would have ever checked them, even in hospital, without me asking - which seems mad to me, considering infections/popped stitched can cause major issues ..
Was also still on strong blood pressure meds from pre-eclampsia and GP refused to make any decisions to wean me off them - insisted maternity ward should be handling it, they said I was discharged to GP! In the end I bought a BP monitor and gradually reduced the dosage myself.
So I agree they gloss over new mums - if you have any worries about anything make and appointment and make them listen to you!

furryelephant · 03/09/2017 15:03

Before my appointment I saw the GP my appointment was with come out to reception and ask the receptionists what he should ask at the 6 week check!! I was

Notlostjustexploring · 03/09/2017 15:23

I do feel the whole post natal care is a bit off. It's like, "hey, we don't care about you any more now you're not pregnant".

My gp do a 3 week phone consultation to chat about contraception, which I frankly didn't bother with, and was raised during baby's 8 week check anyway where she asked what I was using.

So the only practical aftercare information I received about recovery from an emcs was in the recovery bit, immediately post op, smashed out my face on drugs and lack of sleep where the surgeon told me about no driving for 6 weeks and no further babies for 18 months. I'm sure he told me other info but I don't remember. I think my wound was examined once in hospital before discharge and that was it. I sorta expected some sort of post op care. Like how best to clean a wound and what pain is normal.

My best post natal advice comes from mumsnet to be honest - lots of people sharing experiences and you can work out how "normal" your experience is.

Perpetualstudent I'm horrified by that!

NinaMarieP · 24/09/2017 19:22

I had my checkup at the start of the week. We had a chat about mental health, breastfeeding and things. Blood pressure was taken, for prescribed the pill (she asked if we had tried intercourse yet and I just about laughed in her face!) and she looked at my stitches as I said there was one bothering me a bit.

So quite quick and routine but I'm sure if I had being having any real troubles they would have been discussed/dealt with.

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