We offer all new mums and babies a joint ‘Mother and Baby Check’ between 6-8 weeks from birth. When you register your new baby with the practice, these appointments will be automatically generated for you. If you have not heard by the time your baby is 4 weeks old, please make contact with the practice. The appointment lasts for around 30-45 minutes.
What happens at a 6 to 8 week baby check?
Your baby will be invited for a thorough physical examination. This is 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.
- Your 6-week postnatal check – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- The 6-8 week postnatal check :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)