6 Week Postnatal Check Flashcards
What is the purpose of the six-week postnatal check?
The check assesses the physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother and baby, ensuring recovery from childbirth and addressing any concerns.
Who performs the six-week postnatal check?
It is usually performed by a GP, midwife, or obstetrician.
What are the key components of the maternal postnatal check?
Components include assessment of physical recovery, mental health, contraception, breastfeeding, and any ongoing medical issues.
What physical issues are assessed during the postnatal check?
Issues include vaginal bleeding, perineal healing, caesarean wound healing, pelvic pain, and urinary or bowel function.
What is lochia, and why is it assessed at the postnatal check?
Lochia is postnatal vaginal discharge, and it is assessed to ensure it is resolving normally and not indicative of infection.
What mental health concerns are screened for during the postnatal check?
Screening includes questions about postnatal depression, anxiety, and signs of postpartum psychosis.
What questions might be asked to assess postnatal mental health?
Questions include “How are you feeling?” and “Are you coping with the baby?” and screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale may be used.
What is discussed regarding contraception at the postnatal check?
Discussion includes options for contraception, including suitability of long-acting methods, considering breastfeeding and future plans for pregnancy.
When can combined hormonal contraception be safely started postpartum?
It can be started at 6 weeks postpartum if there are no contraindications such as breastfeeding or thromboembolism risk.
What breastfeeding issues might be discussed during the postnatal check?
Issues include latching difficulties, nipple pain, milk supply concerns, and mastitis.
How is pelvic floor health assessed during the postnatal check?
Women are asked about symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, such as incontinence or prolapse, and referred for physiotherapy if needed.
What is the importance of discussing exercise and diet at the postnatal check?
To promote recovery, address weight management, and support overall health and wellbeing.
What common postpartum complications are assessed at the six-week check?
Complications include infection, thromboembolism, persistent hypertension, and anaemia.
How is maternal blood pressure monitored postnatally?
Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy require blood pressure monitoring, with treatment adjustment as needed.
What immunisations might be discussed during the postnatal check?
Immunisations include ensuring up-to-date vaccinations for the mother (e.g., MMR) and infant (e.g., routine childhood vaccines).
What are the key components of the infant postnatal check?
Components include growth and development, feeding, neonatal jaundice, umbilical healing, and addressing parental concerns.
How is infant growth assessed at the postnatal check?
Growth is assessed using weight, length, and head circumference measurements compared to growth charts.
What developmental milestones are checked during the postnatal check?
Milestones include smiling, visual tracking, and response to sounds.
How is neonatal jaundice evaluated during the postnatal check?
Jaundice is assessed by history, examination, and referral for further investigation if prolonged or severe.
What advice is given about safe sleeping practices for the infant?
Advice includes placing the baby on their back to sleep, keeping the sleeping area free of hazards, and avoiding co-sleeping.
How is infant feeding assessed during the postnatal check?
Feeding is assessed by weight gain, frequency of feeds, latching (for breastfeeding), and parental concerns about feeding.
What are the red flags for infant health at the six-week check?
Red flags include poor weight gain, persistent jaundice, lethargy, or failure to meet developmental milestones.
How is the umbilical stump assessed during the postnatal check?
It is checked to ensure it has healed and there are no signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
What advice is given about infant immunisations at the six-week check?
Parents are informed about the UK routine immunisation schedule starting at 8 weeks.
How is bonding and parental adjustment assessed at the postnatal check?
Parents are asked about their feelings towards the baby, coping strategies, and any concerns about bonding.
What follow-up might be arranged after the postnatal check?
Follow-up may include referrals for unresolved physical or mental health concerns, physiotherapy, or paediatric services.
