This is the check-up schedule that we developed based around your baby’s immunization schedule. Your health care provider may recommend a different follow-up based on your medical history and any complications you may have experienced during your pregnancy.
6 Weeks
At 6 weeks after delivery you will be seeing your health care provider for a postpartum check up that should include a weight and blood pressure measurement. This is a great time to discuss any complications you may have experienced during your pregnancy, weight loss expectations for the next year, breastfeeding plans and any activity restrictions (very important if you have had a c-section!).
2 Months
At 2 months of age your baby will be seeing your health care provider for some important immunizations; this visit is also a great time for a weight and blood pressure measurement. If you are unable to take these measurements at the visit, a home scale will do for the weight measurement. For the blood pressure measurement we suggest that you drop by your local pharmacy, many have machines that are free for anyone to use. By now you have hopefully caught up on some sleep and settled in to a bit of a routine. This is an excellent time to set some weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals for the next year! We suggest that you take some time to reflect on your lifestyle before baby arrived; are there any healthy changes you could make? Discuss these changes with your health care provider, family or friends. Then, make a plan!
4 Months
At 4 months of age your baby will be seeing your health care provider for some important immunizations; this visit is also a great time for a weight and blood pressure measurement. If you are unable to take these measurements at the visit, a home scale will do for the weight measurement. For the blood pressure measurement we suggest that you drop by your local pharmacy, many have machines that are free for anyone to use. Also take some time to review the goals you set at 2 months, are you on track to achieving them? Discuss these goals with your health care provider, family or friends. Their support can make a huge difference and help you keep on track!
6 Months
At 6 months of age your baby will be seeing your health care provider for some important immunizations; this is a great time for you to have a check-up that focuses on healthy lifestyle choices and prevention of disease. We suggest an examination that includes weight, waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure and a discussion of activity level and breastfeeding. For women who developed gestational diabetes or gestational impaired glucose tolerance we recommend an oral glucose tolerance test. For all women we recommend fasting blood work that includes a lipid profile, glucose and high sensitivity CRP. Your health care provider may choose not to do these blood tests if you have recently had them done or if they feel they are not appropriate at this time. All of the above measurements and tests will help your health care provider to assess your overall health and counsel you on healthy lifestyle choices. This visit may be a part of your yearly physical if it falls around the same time.
12 Months
At 12 months of age your baby will be seeing your health care provider for some important immunizations; this is a great time for you to have a check-up that focuses on healthy lifestyle choices and prevention of disease. We suggest an examination that includes weight, waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure and a discussion of activity level and breastfeeding. All of the above measurements will help your health care provider to assess your overall health and counsel you on healthy lifestyle choices. This visit may be a part of your yearly physical if it falls around the same time.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
A blood pressure measure below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, however every person is different, your normal blood pressure may be higher or lower. Blood pressure that is consistently higher than 140/90 mmHg is considered high and may require close monitoring, lifestyle and diet changes and possibly medication for management. If you experienced any blood pressure issues during your pregnancy it is important to monitor your blood pressure after delivery to ensure that it returns to normal.