The postpartum visit--why wait 6 weeks?
BACKGROUND
In many western countries, the traditional 6 week check is a routine medical review of a mother and her baby 6 weeks after the birth. In Australia, general practitioners perform the majority of postpartum assessments.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses some of the common issues that concern women following the birth of a baby, and the medical conditions GPs need to address in the postpartum period.


CONCLUSIONS
The research literature does not support any benefit of a 6 week check. However, clinical evidence, our expertise as GPs, and our personal experiences, clearly indicate that the postpartum period is a time of tremendous change, increased health problems, and emotional upheaval for new parents. General practitioners are in an ideal position to assist families during this period and may consider a sooner rather than later, proactive rather than reactive, approach to postpartum care.
Piejko
Ewa
E
ewapiejko@ihug.com.au
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003267:Contraception; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048949:Labor Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors