This information is for general guidance only.
It does not replace advice from your midwife, GP or healthcare team.
What to Expect After Birth UK
The weeks after birth, often called the 'fourth trimester', can be both wonderful and challenging. This guide covers everything from your NHS postnatal care to registering your baby, with the right support contacts for UK families.
NHS postnatal care
After your baby is born, your NHS midwifery team will provide care at home for at least 10 days, and often up to 28 days. A community midwife will visit you at home to check on both you and your baby.
Midwife visits
Your midwife will visit on day 1, day 3 to 5, and then as needed until at least day 10. They will check your physical recovery, your baby's weight and feeding, and your emotional wellbeing.
6-week check
Around six weeks after birth, your GP will offer you a postnatal health check. This covers your physical recovery, contraception, and emotional health. Your baby's 6 to 8 week developmental check is usually done at the same appointment.
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding is recommended by the NHS as the best source of nutrition for your baby. However, it can be challenging at first. Support is available, and however you feed your baby, what matters most is that you and your baby are healthy and well.
Getting support
- Ask your midwife or health visitor for support with latching
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (9am to midnight, 7 days a week)
- La Leche League GB: free peer support and local groups
- Your local NHS Children's Centre may offer breastfeeding drop-in sessions
Physical recovery
Vaginal birth recovery
Lochia (postnatal bleeding) is normal after birth and can last for up to six weeks, gradually changing from red to pink to brown to yellow. If bleeding suddenly increases or becomes bright red after it has slowed, contact your midwife.
Caesarean section recovery
Recovery from a caesarean section takes longer, typically six to eight weeks before you feel fully well. Avoid driving for six weeks and lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks. Keep the wound clean and dry.
Pelvic floor exercises
Start gentle pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel able after birth, even if you have had a caesarean section. These help with bladder control and recovery. Aim for three sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Baby blues
Many new parents experience the 'baby blues' around day 3 to 5 after birth, caused by hormonal changes. Symptoms include tearfulness, irritability, and anxiety. Baby blues usually resolve within a few days.
Postnatal depression (PND)
PND affects around 1 in 10 new parents and can develop any time in the first year after birth. Symptoms include persistent low mood, loss of interest, difficulty bonding with your baby, and anxiety. It is not a sign of weakness and is very treatable. Please speak to your GP or health visitor.
Support contacts
- PANDAS Foundation UK: 0808 1961 776 (free, 11am to 10pm)
- MIND: 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
Newborn checks
NIPE (Newborn and Infant Physical Examination)
Within 72 hours of birth, your baby will be examined by a doctor or specialist nurse. This checks the eyes, heart, hips, and (for boys) testes. A second NIPE is offered at 6 to 8 weeks.
Newborn hearing screening
Your baby will be offered a hearing test shortly after birth, usually before leaving hospital or in the first few weeks at home.
Newborn blood spot (heel prick) test
Between 5 and 8 days after birth, a small blood sample is taken from your baby's heel. This screens for several rare but serious conditions including phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease.
Registering your baby
You are legally required to register your baby's birth within specific timeframes, which vary by country in the UK.
- England and Wales: within 42 days of birth
- Scotland: within 21 days of birth
- Northern Ireland: within 42 days of birth
You register at the local register office. Both parents can register the birth together, or the mother can register alone. If parents are unmarried, both must attend if both names are to appear on the birth certificate.
Registration is free. You can purchase additional copies of the birth certificate at the time of registration.