Pregnancy and postpartum are a stress test for the body.
The postpartum period is often called “the fourth trimester” for a reason.
Even though you’re not pregnant anymore, your body is still changing a lot, and it’s important to see a professional to support you through these changes.
It can be easy for all the attention to go to the new baby, but mom needs a lot of care during this time, too.
Why do I need to go to postpartum visits?
These visits are a chance for you and your provider to work together to make sure you’re recovering from pregnancy and birth and help you adjust to the changes of the postpartum period. You can ask your provider questions and get the support you need.
What if I feel fine or I’m too busy?
Going to postpartum visits is one of the most important ways you can take care of yourself. You deserve to feel your best. Keeping yourself healthy has benefits for your new baby, too. This may be a time to lean on your support system to help you get to these visits.
At these visits, your provider will check for important things you can’t feel, like your blood pressure and how your heart is working. They can catch things that can be life-threatening if they’re not treated early.
Every pregnancy, baby, and birth are different. Even if you’ve been totally fine with previous postpartum experiences, things could be different this time around.
What about mental health?
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. This is especially true during the postpartum period. It’s common to struggle or not feel like yourself during this time and need mental health help even if you haven’t needed it in the past. Visits with your provider can be a time to talk about how you’re feeling. Learn more about maternal mental health and find resources that can help.
If you need help from a mental health professional, you can find ones who are specifically trained to help women during pregnancy and postpartum on the Maternal Mental Health Referral Network.
What about outside of my scheduled visits?
If you feel like something is wrong, contact your health care provider at any time. There are important signs and symptoms you should watch out for during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum that need care right away, called the urgent maternal warning signs.