ABSTRACT
The 6-week check In the United Kingdom, it is customary for postpartum women to attend their GP at 6-8 weeks after delivery for a routine check-up. Postnatal checks usually involve measurement of blood pressure and weight; also, a general assessment of the mother is made to ascertain how well she is coping with her new baby. The 6-week check is a valuable opportunity for a new mother to ask questions and receive advice and she should be free to lead the consultation with her agenda and at her speed. Contraception should be offered, lochia should have stopped, a caesarean section scar should be healing and the uterus should be well contracted down to pre-pregnancy size. It is prudent to ensure that the mother has been having contact with her health visitor and that she has an appointment for her baby’s first immunisations at 8 weeks.
