What to expect at your first postpartum checkup | Progyny

Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by Progyny Clinical Team - November 2025.

Your postpartum checkup is the first visit you'll have with your doctor after giving birth. It's a chance to check on your recovery and support your physical and emotional health. It's also a great opportunity to raise any concerns you might have.

Even though you might be feeling exhausted, or maybe even overwhelmed it's important to make this appointment a priority. You can talk about recovery, mood, your baby, sleep, sex, family planning, and more.

When to have your checkup

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends multiple visits in the first 12 weeks after birth to best support your needs. Be sure to have contact with your doctor within 3 weeks of giving birth, either virtually or in-person. Typically, you'll have a comprehensive in-person visit within 6 weeks of giving birth.

If you had a c-section or pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or bleeding, your doctor will want to see you sooner - in the first few days after giving birth.

If you're having any problems or questions outside of these scheduled visits, it's important to call your doctor. You don't need to wait.

Get ready for your appointment

Take a moment to prepare ahead of time and get the most out of the time with your doctor. Visits can go by in a blur, especially when you are sleep-deprived!

• Write down any questions or concerns you have about your recovery, birth control, or other topics. It's easy to forget what you wanted to ask, and having a written list is a big help.
• Bring a list of all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. If you were on hormone therapy before pregnancy, ask when it is safe to take it again, especially if you're chestfeeding.
• Talk about feeding your baby. It's common to need help with chestfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding. Talk about how it's going and ask if there are resources to support you.

Be open with your doctor about how you're feeling, physically and emotionally. They are there for you and your baby.

Physical exam

You went through a lot with pregnancy and birth, so this is a chance to see how your physical recovery is going. Your doctor will:

• Check your blood pressure, weight, and temperature.
• Perform a pelvic exam to check your vagina, cervix, and uterus (to make sure it is shrinking back to its normal size).
• Check your stitches if you had a vaginal tear or c-section.
• Do a chest exam to look for engorgement or other issues.

For transgender individuals, physical exams may be particularly sensitive, and it's OK to have an open conversation with your doctor. Ask which parts of the exam are essential or which you can decline to ensure you're receiving proper medical care.

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend other tests, such as checking your blood sugar. They may also talk about vaccines and recommended screenings to stay up to date with prevention.

It's important to talk about birth control at this visit, because it's possible to get pregnant even in the weeks after childbirth. Learn more about your birth control options to understand what might be best for you.

Mental health screening

Your doctor will take care to check on your emotional well-being and ask questions to assess your risk for postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is common, affecting 1 in 8 women. Transgender individuals have high rates of depression and anxiety after pregnancy, as well.

It's normal to feel a range of emotions after your baby is born. The "baby blues" are common, but with postpartum depression, symptoms are severe and can last weeks after giving birth. Symptoms can include:

• Feeling angry or moody
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or crying
• Feeling guilty, shameful, or worthless
• Change in eating or sleeping patterns
• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Anyone can get postpartum depression, but you may have a higher risk if you:

• Have had depression before
• Have a history of trauma or abuse
• Had problems in pregnancy or birth
• Lack support
• Have had stressful life events

If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned about your risk, speak to your doctor. Postpartum depression won't simply go away on its own. But there are effective treatments, and your doctor can work with you to get the help you may need.

If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, help is available. These resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

• To talk with a trained counselor at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, text or call: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• If you're in distress or having any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or text or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to help you get ready for your checkup - please reach out if you need us.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.