ExploreLife stages
Pregnancy and postpartum
The first year after birth changes your body, sleep and identity. Physical recovery and mental health both deserve real care, not just a six-week tick.
Common symptoms
- Perineal or scar pain
- Leaking or heaviness
- Painful sex when you restart
- Low mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts
- Exhaustion beyond normal tiredness
Useful to track
- Mood most days
- Sleep blocks
- Pain with feeding or sitting
- Bleeding pattern
Tests and conversations that may be relevant
- Postnatal check with your GP
- Iron and thyroid if exhausted
- Edinburgh postnatal depression screen
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment
When to see a GP or specialist
- Low mood or anxiety lasting more than two weeks
- Pain that is not improving
- Leaking or heaviness after 6 weeks
Urgent warning signs
- Heavy bleeding, fever, or severe headache with vision changes
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby — call 000 or PANDA on 1300 726 306
In Australia, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Questions to take to a clinician
- Is what I am feeling within normal range?
- Can I have a longer postnatal appointment?
- Who can support me locally?
Related
eophi shares general information reviewed against Australian guidance. It never diagnoses. If something feels urgent, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.