The recommendations for postpartum care have changed over the last few years. Instead of a single six-week postpartum visit with your OB-GYN, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends holistic care through the “fourth trimester”—the three months after you give birth.
During those first few months, you’re recovering from pregnancy and birth, adjusting to significant changes in your body, and adapting to big life changes. Getting postpartum care can help you through this transition and set the stage for good health in the years to come. In some cases, serious pregnancy-related complications can also develop during the postpartum period, so while it can be easy to focus your time and attention on your new baby, it’s important not to overlook your own well-being.
When to see your healthcare provider
Experts recommend meeting with your OB-GYN provider within the first three weeks after giving birth, either in person or by telehealth, to discuss recovery and talk about health concerns. Since every person is different, this is also a good time to plan for the care you’ll need during the next few months.
Experts also suggest a comprehensive postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks after birth. This visit covers physical and emotional health and is an opportunity to plan for well-person care after the fourth trimester.
Note: Check in with your insurance company to make sure they cover multiple postpartum checkups. Since the guidelines have changed recently, some insurers may still only cover one visit.
What to expect at your postpartum visits
At your postpartum appointments, your healthcare provider will usually do a physical exam, which includes checking your uterus, cervix, vagina, and abdomen to make sure you’re healing well. Your provider will also check in about your emotional wellbeing.
Your provider will talk to you about:
- Your mood, including symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Sleep and fatigue
- Your sexual health
- Contraception and your future family plans
- Concerns about feeding and caring for your baby
- Chronic conditions
- Your pelvic floor
There is so much to manage in the weeks and months after giving birth. Many people struggle with fatigue, anxiety, or discomfort, and your OB-GYN provider is there to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You may even want to make a list of questions and concerns to bring to your appointment. ACOG has a great postpartum care checklist, you can use to help focus your thoughts before meeting with your provider.
Caring for your health beyond the fourth trimester
Postpartum care is a process, and taking the time to care for your needs often continues beyond the fourth trimester. Your comprehensive appointment at approximately 6 to 12 weeks postpartum is for your recovery after giving birth and marks the transition to ongoing well-person care.
If you developed a health condition while you were pregnant, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, sometimes those conditions can impact your long-term health, so additional follow-up or monitoring may be recommended. Your OB-GYN can explain the best care going forward and connect you with providers who can help. Your OB-GYN may also reach out to your primary care provider to coordinate your care.
If you don’t have a primary care provider yet, now is the perfect time to find one you like and trust.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Optimizing Postpartum Care. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG Redesigns Postpartum Care. https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2018/04/acog-redesigns-postpartum-care
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). What to Expect at a Postpartum Checkup—And Why the Visit Matters. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-to-expect-at-a-postpartum-checkup-and-why-the-visit-matters
Mayo Clinic. Labor and Delivery, Postpartum Care. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233
