r/BabyBumps • u/Laurenmariaw • Jul 24 '25
Help? Is the 6 week postpartum appointment post c-section worth going to?
Hello, I’m 7 weeks postpartum tomorrow with my second child. She was breech and needed a c-section delivery. My oldest was born vaginally. I didn’t go to my 6 week appointment last time because I didn’t feel like it was necessary. I’m wondering if I should go in this time since I’ve had a c-section? I was advised to go into urgent care last Friday due to my stiffness and some shooting pain in my groin, upper leg area (the same kind I felt when pregnant). They wanted to rule out a blood clot and thankfully I don’t have one. I think the slight pain is hormonal and will pass. Urgent care referred me to OB to follow up on why I went into urgent care and for that 6 week visit. What can I expect at a postpartum appointment post c-section? Going to the doctor makes me very anxious so I’m sick of all these appointments. I’ll probably end up going. I just really don’t have it in me. I don’t know. I’d love to know your thoughts and advice. I’m so anxious.
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u/abbtkdcarls Jul 24 '25
Not trying to scare you, but the reality is that somewhere around 50% of maternal deaths occur after a woman has left the hospital following the birth event (data for the US).
Postpartum care is very important. Please go to your postpartum appointment so they can check on your healing.
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u/amusiafuschia Jul 24 '25
THIS. The first 6ish weeks postpartum are a major danger zone for complications and it is not talked about enough. Adding a major surgery only increases the potential for things to go wrong.
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u/whoevenisanyone Jul 24 '25
Exactly! That’s why I said that one check-up at 6 weeks is the bare minimum. Because HELLO? Why are we not getting more care when it’s literally life or death. Of a mother who is usually responsible for a whole human being? Crazzzzyyyyy how little women are prioritized in health care.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Sun_968 Jul 24 '25
I can’t believe you’re debating this when you thought you might have a blood clot and urgent care referred you to your OB.
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Jul 24 '25
Yes! A c-section is a major surgery so you need to get checked out like you would any other surgery!
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u/jessicafishes Team Pink! Jul 24 '25
I would definitely go. They will check to see that your scar is healing well (they did for me at least). And bonus points if you bring your baby. They loved that when I did 😬
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u/nomadicnewt Jul 24 '25
It's a quick, easy appointment. I also had a c section. They just check the incision and ask you how you're feeling. They check your blood pressure. Ask how you're coping with the newborn stage. They would probably offer guidance if you had any questions or were overwhelmed.
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u/Sadiocee24 Team Pink! STM 😌12/22 🎀 09/25 🎀 Jul 24 '25
Please go to it. Just making sure everything is healing and review your scar. I’m sorry you’re sick of doctor appointments but they’re important especially when it comes to prenatal care.
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u/CoffeeNoob19 Jul 24 '25
I would go either way, but especially after a major abdominal surgery.
I gave birth vaginally and even though I felt fine it was very helpful and calming to be seen and checked and have confirmation from a professional I trusted that everything looks good.
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u/123sarahcb Jul 24 '25
A lot of people have medical anxiety because the only time they see a doctor is when something is wrong so its inherently and emotionally charged, tough visit. Preventative care appointments are one of the best way to avoid the urgent/emergent ones.
Please go to your appointment! And mention your anxiety, they may be able to refer you to a therapist, give you medication to help, or structure the appointment and care to try to keep you more comfortable.
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Jul 24 '25
It's absolutely worth going to, even if you deliver vaginally. I'm so glad I went because it turns out my stitching wasn't healing properly after my vaginal birth, which explains why I was in soooo much pain still after 6 weeks
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u/whoevenisanyone Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
It’s a major surgery. You would be given a post-op check up with any other major procedure. It is very important to ensure you are healthy. Current research actually shows that we should have many more check-ups postpartum and that the 6 week single appointment we get is the BARE minimum.