We offer a joint Mother and Baby Check between 6-8 weeks from birth. Please make contact with the practice, allowing 2-4 weeks in advance for your appointment. The appointment last 30 minutes.
What happens at a 6 to 8 weeks baby check?
Your baby will be invited for a thorough physical examination. This is usually done by a GP.
Your baby’s eyes, heart, hips and – for boys – testicles will be checked. They’ll also have their weight, length and head circumference measured.
A GP or health visitor will discuss your baby’s vaccinations with you. These are offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months old, and before your child starts school.
What happens at your postnatal check?
- You’ll be asked how you’re feeling as part of a general discussion about your mental health and wellbeing.
- You’ll be asked if you still have any vaginal discharge and whether you have had a period since the birth.
- Your blood pressure will be checked if you had problems during pregnancy or immediately after the birth.
- You may be offered an examination to see if your stitches have healed if you had an episiotomy or caesarean section.
- If you were due for a cervical screening test while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth.
- You’ll be asked about contraception.
- If you’re overweight or obese, with a BMI of 30 or more, you may be weighed. Your doctor should give you weight loss advice and guidance on healthy eating and physical activity.