Around now you will have your 'six-week check'. It’s a useful opportunity to discuss any worries or queries you may have about your baby or yourself.

What happens at the check?

The postnatal or six-week check marks your official discharge from the maternity services, if there are no complications which need further visits. There is huge variation in what happens during the check. It may be done by your GP if your delivery was normal or if you had an uncomplicated ventouse, forceps or caesarean delivery. If you had a complicated delivery, you may be be seen by a hospital doctor.

Your check could include:

• A smear test, if you did not have an update before your pregnancy.
• Inserting a coil if you want to use this form of contraception.
• An abdominal examination to ensure your uterus is back to its non-pregnant state.
• Look at your episiotomy or caesarean scar, if you had one.
• Blood pressure recording.
• Urine test.
• Blood test to check your iron levels.

This is a check for you, not for your baby. Use it to ask about things that are concerning you. Make a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about. For example, you might want to ask your doctor whether you are ready to start an exercise programme, especially if you had a caesarean section.

Your doctor will also want to know how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. Say if you are feeling depressed, or if your stitches are still sore; there is help at hand.

This is also a golden opportunity to say if you are having any sexual problems following childbirth.