6 week post birth checkups

Are they required and necessary?

I had one with DD1 about 8-9 weeks after birth and the doctor asked millions of questions..i said all was fine and that was it. No examination even though i had had a 2nd degree tear and stitches. All he dod was a urine sample to make sure there were no infections (would have been funny if he tested for a BFP cos it would have shown up..lol)

DD2 i never bothered going for a check up...figured after DD1 nothing was looked at (again had stitches), a midwife had been checking them for 3 weeks.

This time the hossy said i need a pap done as it will be a bit over due.

hi kim,

I think they are required and nessescary. Maybe a private ob is different but when i went for mine she checked my stitches and ahd a feel of my tummy! She also asked me a million questions but i was glad she did! We spoke about the birth and how i was coping etc Which was great because at least she would have picked up any pnd symptons.

i wish there was a 10-12 week checkup as i had lots of issues with my body after that but didnt want to see my local gp iykwim!

i really do thing there needs to be more check ups in place even if its just to talk.

x

After I had Nina, I needed a pap smear as I was overdue, and my dr checked for the usual things post baby.
After I had Emily, my dr only checked to see if my uterus had shrunk and asked the usual questions about b/f etc. There was no need for a pap smear or internal (thank god!).
So yeah, I think they're necessary. It gives you the opportunity to bring up any concerns with your health post baby, b/f matters etc.

Thanks girls...maybe i should have them done....thought was a waste of time tbh!

Thanks Kim....

You just reminded me Im due for a smear.. grrrr

Beatrix,
You've reminded me I'm due for a smear - lets hope for a BFP before I get the letter ;)

I think theyre neccesary.
With DS i had lots of complications with recovery so different story, but also needed a pap smear. But to check your uterus is back in place and youre not having any pains when they press i think is really important. If you happen to get an infection in your uterus it can be life threatening.

I just went to our GP for mine. I was worried about my stitches cause they seemed a bit itchy (turns out the skin was just healing up) and I needed a pap too, but that's the only reason why she checked me out 'down there'. I think its good for them to have a feel of your tummy and make sure your uterus is contracting back to normal. Also, I feel like its kind of nice to discuss how things are going, particularly if you need emotional reassurance.
But ultimately its your decision. I don't think they're compulsory!