Author｜Sun Dongxia
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
Remember to bring your baby for a follow-up check-up 42 days after discharge!
This is usually a phrase that doctors and nurses will remind mothers of when they are discharged from the hospital. Although brief, it is extremely important for the mother's recovery and the baby's health. Today, let's talk about the 42 days postpartum.
01
Why is it necessary to have a follow-up examination around 42 days postpartum?
The 42-day postpartum checkup does not mean that the checkup must be done on 42 days. It specifically refers to a maternal and infant health checkup performed within 42 to 56 days after the mother gives birth to the baby.
So why is it necessary to conduct the check during this time period?
Because after giving birth, it takes about 6 weeks for a mother's organs, except for her breasts, to return to their pre-pregnancy state.
02
What tests are included in the postpartum check-up 42 days after delivery?
The tests that the mother needs to undergo:
Weight: Measuring weight helps determine whether a mother has gained too much weight after childbirth, otherwise it will affect the quality of breast milk and physical recovery.
Blood pressure: Our blood pressure changes during pregnancy, and it is necessary to measure blood pressure after childbirth to see if it has returned to the pre-pregnancy level. This is especially important for mothers with gestational hypertension.
Complete blood count (CBC): For mothers who have anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, or infection during pregnancy, it is very necessary to have a CBC check-up!
Urinalysis: A follow-up urinalysis helps determine whether a mother with hypertension during pregnancy has recovered, and also helps determine whether she has a urinary tract infection after childbirth, so that timely treatment can be given.
Incision examination: For mothers who have undergone cesarean section or episiotomy, it is also necessary to check the healing of the perineal or abdominal wound.
Pelvic organ examination: The uterus increases in size from the size of an egg to the size of a balloon from before pregnancy to before delivery. The most important part of the follow-up examination is to use an abdominal ultrasound to determine whether the uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy position, whether there is prolapse, and whether there are any remaining tissues in the uterine cavity.
Pelvic floor function assessment: Both pregnancy and vaginal delivery can cause some damage to the pelvic floor muscles. Some mothers experience discomfort such as urinary incontinence, lower back pain, and tailbone pain postpartum. A follow-up examination can assess whether pelvic floor function has been damaged, allowing for an evaluation of the mother's recovery and the provision of treatment and targeted advice.
Breasts: The main focus is on checking for breast discomfort and breastfeeding difficulties. If a mother has doubts about the quality of her breast milk, she can visit a lactation clinic for a milk calcium test or a daily nutritional analysis of the postpartum woman.
Contraception guidance: Everyone's body is different. Even during breastfeeding or before menstruation returns, some mothers may resume ovulation. Doctors will provide contraception guidance to prevent the mother from becoming pregnant again before her body has recovered, thus avoiding unnecessary risks.
Emotional guidance: Some mothers experience mood swings after childbirth, but these usually don't last long. If they last more than two weeks, it's possible they are suffering from postpartum depression. Doctors will recommend seeing a mental health professional.
Other: If necessary, a vaginal discharge examination may be required to check whether the lochia has been completely discharged.
It is worth noting that if pregnancy is complicated by other diseases, further examination and evaluation of the relevant diseases are required!
The baby needs to undergo the following examinations:
Growth and development assessments include height, weight, head circumference, and cardiopulmonary examinations. These are the most routine checks used to evaluate a baby's health and growth. Additionally, it's necessary to understand the baby's bowel movements, feeding, and sleep patterns.
Neurological examinations include auditory and motor development, and nerve reflexes. These tests assess whether the baby has delayed neuromotor development and are especially important for premature infants, asphyxiated infants, and babies with brain damage before or after birth.
Other: Check if the baby's umbilical cord has fallen off, if there is redness or discharge around the navel, and if there is any redness, swelling, or chafing on the buttocks.
Friendly reminder: If a mother experiences various discomforts or problems during her postpartum period, she can write them down on a piece of paper or on her phone for easy reference when consulting a doctor.
03
Is a postpartum check-up necessary?
The answer is yes. Some mothers, especially those in areas with low levels of education and economic development, often don't pay much attention to this checkup. However, postpartum checkups are essential. These checkups not only allow us to understand the mother's postpartum recovery and the baby's health, but also to screen for diseases, enabling early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
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