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Your 6 to 8 week postnatal check: what to expect

Around 6 to 8 weeks after birth, your GP surgery should offer you a check of your own. It's about you and your recovery, not only your baby.

Last checked September 2026 · 3-minute read · Sources

When to get help straight away

Call 999 if you've got postnatal bleeding and:

  • the bleeding is sudden and very heavy
  • you feel faint, dizzy or have a pounding heart

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, you don't have to cope alone. Call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or call 999 if you're in immediate danger. For urgent help, call 111 and select the mental health option. 111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.

Worried about your baby? Call NHS 111 if you're worried about any of your child's symptoms or do not know what to do. The NHS lists when to call 999 or go to A&E.

Sources: NHS, Early days (reviewed 27 January 2026); NHS, Where to get urgent help for mental health; NHS, When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5 (reviewed 6 August 2026). Last checked September 2026.

In short

  • Your GP surgery should offer you a postnatal check 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
  • It's separate from your baby's check, though they can be one after the other.
  • It's for every mother, including if your baby has died or doesn't live with you.
  • You can ask for one yourself if it hasn't been offered.
  • Take a short list of questions with you.

What the check is for

The NHS says the check is to make sure you feel well and are recovering properly.

In England, GP practices have had to offer it since 2020. It's a consultation with a GP, between 6 and 8 weeks after the birth.

NHS England says it should cover:

  • your mental health and general wellbeing
  • your physical recovery from pregnancy and birth, and any conditions that need ongoing care
  • contraception and family planning

It should be a separate appointment from your baby's check, though the two can run one after the other.

It's for every mother. That includes mothers whose baby has died, or whose baby doesn't live with them.

What usually happens

The NHS says what's offered may vary depending on where you live. It usually includes:

  • a talk about how you're feeling, and your mental health
  • questions about any vaginal discharge, and whether your periods have come back
  • a blood pressure check, if you had problems in pregnancy or soon after the birth
  • an offer to check your stitches have healed, if you had an episiotomy or caesarean
  • rebooking cervical screening for 12 weeks after the birth, if it was due while you were pregnant
  • questions about contraception

NICE also says you should get the chance to talk about your birth experience.

Things worth mentioning

The NHS suggests telling your doctor if:

  • you're feeling sad or anxious. Looking after a baby can sometimes feel overwhelming.
  • you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or holding in wind
  • sex is painful
  • you're not sure you're up to date with adult vaccines, such as MMR

You can mention anything that's worrying you. It's your appointment.

Your baby's 6 to 8 week check

A GP also checks your baby at around this time. It repeats the physical check your baby had soon after birth, because some things take longer to show.

The GP looks at your baby's:

  • eyes
  • heart
  • hips
  • testicles, in boys

Your baby's weight, length and head size are also measured. The check is usually at a GP surgery, community clinic or children's centre.

If you haven't been offered one

You can ask for a check yourself, especially if you have any concerns. Call your GP surgery and ask for your postnatal check with a GP.

The NHS suggests making a list of questions to take with you.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, your GP practice, midwife or health visitor can tell you what's offered where you live.

Your next step

If it isn't booked yet, call your GP surgery today. Then jot down 3 things you want to ask.

Sources

  1. NHS, Your 6-week postnatal check (reviewed 28 November 2022)
  2. NHS England, GP six to eight week maternal postnatal consultation: what good looks like guidance (date not shown)
  3. NICE, Postnatal care (NG194) (published April 2021)
  4. NHS, Newborn physical examination (reviewed 9 June 2025)
  5. NHS, Your baby's health and development reviews (reviewed 30 November 2023)
  6. NHS, Early days (reviewed 27 January 2026)
  7. NHS, Where to get urgent help for mental health (reviewed 26 April 2023)
  8. NHS, When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5 (reviewed 6 August 2026)

Last checked September 2026. Next check March 2027.

This guide gives general information. It isn't medical advice, and it can't tell you what's right for you.

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