During the nine months of pregnancy, a pregnant woman is monitored by various health professionals. This support is not limited only to pregnancy and childbirth. The postpartum period can be punctuated by "physical, psychological and family upheavals. The postpartum period is therefore a period at risk of difficulties, sometimes of medical complications and also of complications linked to the upheavals of all the landmarks, in particular when it comes to a first child . For these reasons, this period deserves a follow-up and a particular attention ", can we read in a thesis published in 2019 in the HAL, an online platform for the dissemination of published or unpublished research papers and theses.
After the baby is born, the mother must therefore consult a practitioner for the last time for the post-natal visit. This consultation, which is compulsory, can be carried out by the doctor or midwife who followed her pregnancy. It is 100% covered by Health Insurance "within the limit of the basic tariffs".
What is the postnatal visit?
The post-natal visit is a complete check-up performed after the birth. According to Health Insurance, this checkup should be done after the postpartum period, that is, within 6 to 8 weeks of giving birth. This consultation is an essential time for discussion.
What is the post-natal visit for?
The post-natal visit provides an update on both the physical and psychological health of the mother. This special moment allows you to look back on her pregnancy, to discuss with her the experience of childbirth, the aftermath of childbirth and complications, which may have arisen after the birth of the baby, but also a potential new project of child. During this interview, the healthcare professional will attempt to identify postpartum psychological disorders, particularly in women who suffered from depression during pregnancy.
The practitioner must also perform a pelvic examination. It can also address perineal rehabilitation and the method of contraception desired by the woman or the couple. This mandatory consultation also allows a brief assessment of the infant's state of health and an assessment of the mother-child relationship. The specialist can also give advice adapted to the rhythm of the mother's life.
How does a post-natal visit take place?
This postpartum checkup begins with an interrogation. The doctor begins by asking questions of his patient relating to:
The practitioner then checks the mother's weight and blood pressure. During the consultation, he makes sure that everything is in order. To do this, he checks that the uterus has returned to its original size and that the cervix is closed. A smear can also be done, if the last one is more than three years old. The healthcare professional also checks the scarring of the perineum, a cesarean section, an episiotomy or a tear. He also examines the mother's chest and stomach.
Another examination: that of the perineum. For this, it assesses the sensitivity, mobility and tone of the pelvic organs. This allows him to assess the need for perineal rehabilitation. If necessary, the healthcare professional will prescribe rehabilitation sessions for his patient, carried out with a physiotherapist or a midwife. "This rehabilitation is 100% covered by the Health Insurance, within the limit of the basic rates", is it specified.
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⋙ EPP: what is early prenatal interview?
⋙ Dating ultrasound: how is this examination of the 3rd month of pregnancy going?
⋙ Pregnancy: the tests to do when you are pregnant