After delivery
After-delivery doctor visits
Visits to your doctor after giving birth are 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 is based on the understanding that the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and childbirth can lead to anxiety and depression.
Many women experience some level of sadness or anxiety before and after childbirth. These emotions, commonly referred to as "Baby Blues" are often temporary.
Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression that last longer and are more severe can be signs of postpartum depression (PPD). These symptoms can start during pregnancy or develop up to one year after delivery. Your partner can also develop symptoms of PPD.
Symptoms of PPD can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to rest when baby is settled
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Intense irritability and anger
- Lack of joy in life
- Feeling anxious, scared, sad, hopeless, shameful, guilty, or inadequate
- Crying often
- Extreme mood swings
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Starting the conversation with your OB, doctor, or loves ones early is important. For more information on PPD or how to talk about what you're experiencing, call our case management department at 866-905-7430 or enroll online.
If you think you or a loved one is struggling with pregnancy or postpartum depression or anxiety, seek help right away:
- Call 988 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