Peripartum care is all about the support you need during the final stages of pregnancy and the early days after your baby arrives. It covers everything from the late pregnancy phase, through childbirth, and into those first weeks postpartum. The care is designed to ensure you’re physically and emotionally supported as you adjust to life with a new baby.

Your Complete Guide to Peripartum Care

Guidelines and recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence emphasize health and care excellence, including evidence-based reviews on managing obesity during pregnancy and recommended postpartum care protocols for maternal health.

Why Peripartum Care Matters

The peripartum period is a huge transition for your baby, and for you too. During that time, healthcare providers focus on optimizing postpartum care, which means looking after your health and well-being.

That includes managing any postpartum depression you might experience, keeping an eye on risk factors, and addressing any medical issues that pop up. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), comprehensive postpartum visits are key to making sure everything goes smoothly.

Addressing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

One of the biggest challenges new moms face is dealing with postpartum depressive symptoms, including postpartum depression (PPD) and perinatal depression, which covers both the time before and after birth. It’s more common than you might think, and symptoms vary widely, from feeling persistently sad to struggling with severe emotional stress. The Preventive Services Task Force and other health organizations recommend regular screenings to spot and address the issues early on.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Several factors may increase your risk of postpartum depression.

• A history of depression
• Not having enough support from family and friends
• Dealing with major stressors during pregnancy, among many other reasons.

The World Health Organization highlights the need to tackle risk factors through preventive services and early intervention. Tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) MAY help identify symptoms and guide the next steps.

The EPDS is a widely used screening tool designed to identify symptoms of postpartum depression in new mothers. It consists of a self-report questionnaire with ten questions that assess mood, anxiety, and emotional well-being, helping healthcare providers identify women who might benefit from further evaluation and support.

Taking Care of Your Physical Health

If you have gestational diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure during pregnancy, you need to keep managing the conditions after birth by regularly checking your blood sugar and blood pressure to prevent complications like postpartum hypertension. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends follow-up visits to handle health issues and plan for future pregnancies.

Postpartum Weight and Physical Recovery

Many new moms worry about postpartum weight retention. In fact, info from BabyCenter reveals that half of all women still carry an extra 10 pounds six months after giving birth, with a quarter retaining 20 pounds.

Whether you had a cesarean section or experienced postpartum hemorrhage, your healthcare provider will offer advice on safe exercises and recovery strategies during those early weeks postpartum. Managing your weight through a healthy diet and gradual exercise (if you’re up for it) should help with your long-term health.

Also, pay attention to your physical recovery from childbirth. But most importantly, pace yourself and do not feel the need to rush towards strenuous exercises and weight loss programs if your body is telling you to relax.

Comprehensive Postpartum Visits

Your primary care provider is a big part of your postpartum care team, especially for postpartum women who need monitoring for long-term health consequences. They’re there to help with everything from physical recovery to mental health support. Your comprehensive postpartum visit, usually around six weeks after giving birth, is a great time to talk about postpartum contraception, check on your recovery, and discuss any ongoing health issues.

What Happens During a Postpartum Visit?

A comprehensive postpartum visit typically occurs around six weeks after delivery. During that visit, your healthcare provider will assess your physical recovery, including checking for postpartum haemorrhage, and monitor your mental health.

They’ll discuss any symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety and provide resources or treatment options if needed. The visit is also an opportunity to address any concerns you have about your body’s changes, such as postpartum weight retention or urinary incontinence.

Finding the Support You Need

Peripartum care isn’t just about medical visits—it’s also about having the right support systems in place. Reach out to family, join support groups, or get counseling.

Book a 30-minute call with Dr Kristal and get all the support you need.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

Identifying risk factors early may help prevent complications during the peripartum period. Said risk factors include a history of depression, high levels of stress, or previous pregnancy complications. For example, if you’re overweight or have a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease, your healthcare provider might monitor the conditions more closely.

Significant health risks, including maternal deaths, can arise during the postpartum period due to complications such as severe hypertension and infection. Addressing these risks is crucial to improving maternal healthcare.

Preventive Services and Support

Preventive services optimize your postpartum care. That includes routine screenings for postpartum depression and perinatal depression, as well as managing conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension.

The World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend those services to ensure a smooth recovery and to address any potential complications early.

However, many critical healthcare needs remain unaddressed, highlighting the issue of unmet maternal health during the postpartum period.

Planning for Future Pregnancies

If you’re thinking about future pregnancies, you should discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They should be able to guide you on when it’s safe to conceive again and help you plan for a healthy pregnancy. They’ll also consider any complications or conditions from your previous pregnancy that might affect your future health.

Postpartum Contraception Options

Postpartum contraception is a key part of planning for future pregnancies. Your healthcare provider would discuss various options, including long-acting reversible contraception, to help you choose the best method for your needs.

Find a balance that allows you to focus on your recovery while also planning for your family’s future.

FAQs About Peripartum Care

What is peripartum vs postpartum?

Peripartum refers to the time surrounding birth, typically including the weeks before and after delivery. Postpartum specifically describes the period after childbirth, focusing on recovery and adjustment in the weeks and months following delivery.

What is the difference between perinatal and antenatal?

Perinatal encompasses the time from the late stages of pregnancy through the early postpartum period. Antenatal, on the other hand, refers specifically to the period before childbirth, focusing on care and monitoring during pregnancy.

What is postnatal care?

Postnatal care refers to the health care provided to a mother and her baby following childbirth, including physical recovery, emotional support, and monitoring for any postpartum complications. It ensures both mother and baby are healthy and adjusting well after birth.

What is the meaning of Peripartum?

Peripartum means “around the time of birth.” It includes the period leading up to and following childbirth, addressing both prenatal and postpartum aspects of care.

What is the peripartum period of pregnancy?

The peripartum period includes the time just before and after birth, typically encompassing the last few weeks of pregnancy and the first few weeks to months following childbirth.

What is the normal peripartum period?

The normal peripartum period starts from around 28 weeks of pregnancy and continues through the first six weeks postpartum.

What is the difference between peripartum and intrapartum?

Peripartum covers the time around birth, including the late stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Intrapartum refers specifically to the labor and delivery phase, focusing on the time when the mother is actively giving birth.