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Healthcare Visit Schedule - Labour and Birth, Postpartum, Newborn
Your baby’s visits will focus on what goes in (feeding), what comes out (pees and poops) as well as weight (gain or loss). Your pregnancy care provider will do a physical exam to check your baby’s health. In some situations, if necessary, there may be tests or treatment for jaundice (bilirubin). You will see your provider frequently in the first 6 weeks after the birth.
For birth parents, medical visits will focus both on physical recovery and mood. Your pcare provider will check that you’re healing well and provide support for your emotions. If you had high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, you might need to see other doctors to monitor your health.
During these checkups, your provider may discuss with you:
Day 1 to 4 After Birth
If you delivered in a hospital, a public nurse in your community will offer services (a visit at your home, a phone call, or a visit to their clinic) to help your provider care for you. Bilirubin blood tests may be offered to follow-up on newborn jaundice.
- If a doctor assisted you during pregnancy and birth, a Public Health Nurse will call or visit you soon after you get home to see how you’re doing and may schedule follow-up visits to check your baby’s weight and feeding. When you leave hospital, the doctor will advise you when to visit them: usually within the first week after the birth.
- If you had a midwife as your maternity provider, they would arrange to see you and baby at home or in-clinic within 1-2 days after the birth and will advise on follow-up visits.
1 Week and Beyond | Likely In-Person with Your Pregnancy Care Provider
During this visit, your provider will check your baby’s weight gain, feeding, and development. They will conduct a physical exam. It’s an important checkup to make sure your little one is on track for a healthy start in life. They will also check on your recovery and ask about your supports. Further visits will be offered depending on your needs.
6 Weeks After Birth | Likely In-Person with Your Pregnancy Care Provider
This is your final visit with your pregnancy care provider! They will review the birth with you, talk about any problems you may have had, and how you’re doing. They will check on your recovery, how you’re feeling emotionally, and offer support if needed. They may also talk to you about contraception options and offer you an HPV test if needed. They will advise you about any conditions that arose during the pregnancy or birth and what that may mean for your future health. Blood tests may be suggested to follow-up on complications such as anemia, diabetes, or thyroid conditions. After this visit, you and your baby will return to your usual clinic for primary care. They will take care of your ongoing healthcare needs.
