Postpartum care is an important component of obstetric and maternal medicine. After the baby is born, both mother and child should be screened at specific intervals to monitor their health. Directly after delivery, babies also typically undergo a hearing test for congenital deafness.
Most health systems require a check-up when the newborn is between 4 to 6 weeks of age. During this exam, the physician will review the mother’s postpartum healing and emotional health, as well as the infant’s feeding and bowel movement schedule. This session may also be used to discuss contraception options or issues with breastfeeding. In some health centers, the postpartum checkup also includes gynecology exams. The doctor may also look for symptoms of hormonal complications that can sometimes occur after pregnancy.
