Recently updated guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends treating postpartum care as a continuous process rather than being satisfied with a onetime checkup at four to six weeks. ACOG recommends that women and their doctors create a postpartum care plan in advance, and that women stay in regular contact with their OB/GYNs, especially within the first three weeks of giving birth. ACOG still does recommend a thorough postpartum exam conducted no more than 12 weeks after birth.

Key Takeaways:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends treating postpartum care as a process rather than just one checkup.
• ACOG advises women to be in contact with their doctors within the first three weeks after birth, get any necessary care on a continual basis, and have a full checkup no later than 12 weeks later.
• Women and their doctors should plan ahead for the logistical and medical aspects of postpartum care, so women can be as prepared as possible.

“A postpartum checkup is a medical checkup mothers get after having a baby to make sure they’re recovering well from labor and birth.”

Read more: http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.org/?p=27213