The post-partum period covers the first 6 to 8 weeks after you have given birth. This is a time when you experience many changes in your physical and, sometimes, emotional wellbeing. The following page will provide you with general advice on what to expect after birth.
However, if you have a medical condition that pre-exists or occurred for the first time during pregnancy, the post-partum period can be a particularly vulnerable time requiring additional input from your healthcare practitioners. Therefore, the following page will also provide you with advice on whether this additional input is needed and, if so, where you can access it from.
You should receive a routine appointment with your GP within 8 weeks following birth. This appointment should be separate from your baby’s health check. Please click here for guidance on what this post-partum review with your GP will include.
Pre-existing health conditions: there are many reasons as to why it might be helpful to see a specialist in this post-partum period if you were known to have a health condition prior to pregnancy. These include needing a review of the medications you are taking, requiring onward referral to a specialist and because some health conditions, such as inflammatory joint conditions, can get worse after you have given birth.
Mental health conditions: it is not uncommon that after birth you can feel a bit down, tearful or anxious. This is normal. However, it you have a mental health condition or are concerned about depression or anxiety, then additional support is often needed. It is important to discuss this with your GP or your mental health team. Your GP can refer to the perinatal mental health team, if needed, up to 6 months after you have given birth even if you were not known to their services during the pregnancy.
Women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes: there are medical conditions that are specific to pregnancy but can be associated with complications in both the short and long-term. These include conditions such as pre-eclampsia and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. It is important that women who developed a medical condition during pregnancy are followed up to ensure full resolution or monitor for any longer-term complications of that condition.
Postnatal clinic: the hospital where you gave birth may be able to offer you a postnatal clinic appointment within 6 weeks. This appointment is in addition to the routine check you will have with your GP and is offered to women with complex underlying medical conditions either pre-existing or occurring for the first time during pregnancy. If you feel you fulfil these criteria, please speak with the healthcare team at the hospital where you gave birth to see if this appointment can be arranged.
Speak with your GP or specialist: many medical conditions either pre-existing to or occurring for the first time during pregnancy can be managed by your GP. If additional care is needed and you are not already under a specialist, your GP can refer you.
Available online resources: online resources providing post-partum information have been listed under the individual conditions.