8 Maternal Health Checkups You Should Not Miss

11. Postpartum follow-up and early newborn planning

Postnatal care begins before birth by arranging an early postpartum visit and newborn checks. The postnatal appointment looks for wound healing when relevant, evaluates recovery from delivery, checks mental health, and supports breastfeeding and contraception planning. For many people, a postpartum check around six weeks is standard, but earlier visits or phone check-ins can be arranged if there are concerns. Planning ahead — lining up lactation support, pediatric follow-up, and community resources — smooths the transition. If you experienced complications during pregnancy, coordinate earlier postpartum monitoring with your clinician. Treat the postpartum visit as part of a continuum: good prenatal care sets the stage, but care does not stop after delivery. Bringing a partner, family member, or a checklist helps you cover physical needs and emotional concerns during that visit.