After-delivery doctor visits
Seeing your doctor after giving birth is just as important as regular visits during your pregnancy. Additional visits may be scheduled to fit individual needs.
Shortly after your baby arrives, your doctor will ask you to schedule a postpartum visit for three to six weeks after delivery, if you haven't already done so during your third trimester.
If you had a cesarean section (C-section) or have other medical needs, you may need to see your doctor within one week after delivery and again three to six weeks after delivery.
Your body has changed in many ways, and it is normal to feel stressed, tired and emotional. It takes time to heal and adjust to your changing body while caring for your newborn.
It is important that you attend your postpartum care appointment to make sure your body is healing properly. Your doctor will also make sure you are doing ok emotionally and mentally and will talk with you about family planning options.
Postpartum depression
Our pregnancy program emphasizes the importance of understanding that any woman who has gone through pregnancy or childbirth can develop anxiety or depression because of the many physical and emotional changes that occur during and after pregnancy.
Many women experience some level of emotional sadness or anxiety before or after childbirth. The emotions, commonly referred to as “Baby Blues” are often temporary and typically fade away soon after childbirth.
Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression that last longer, and are more severe, are signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Only a doctor can diagnose someone with PPD, which is why it is important to seek help if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.
It's also important to be aware that depression symptoms can start during pregnancy or develop up to one year after delivery. Your partner could also develop symptoms of PPD.
Symptoms may include:
- loss of appetite
- inability to sleep or nap after baby is settled. Feeling very tired all the time.
- intense irritability and anger
- lack of joy in life
- feeling very anxious or scared
- crying often
- feeling sad and hopeless
- extreme mood swings
- feeling shameful, guilty or inadequate
- difficulty bonding with baby
- withdrawing from family and friends
- thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
Initiating the conversation with your OB doctor and loved ones early is important. If you would like more information about PPD, or how to get the conversation started, call our case management department at 866-905-7430, or enroll online, and someone from our team will reach out to you.
If you think you or a loved one is struggling with pregnancy or postpartum depression or anxiety seek help right away:
- Call 911 if there is concern over thoughts of harming yourself, the baby or others
- Call your – or your loved one's – OB or primary care doctor
- Call the Maternal & Child Health Hotline 24/7 at 800-722-2295
- Call the Postpartum Depression Helpline 24/7 at 800-944-4773