Your baby this week
Your baby is getting so much better at tummy time and can hold their head up for a few seconds now. Your baby is starting to coo and make little vowel sounds — their way of talking to you, and when you talk back they light up. Your baby can see colours more clearly now and loves looking at your face. Your baby might be going through a growth spurt, so they'll want to eat more for a few days.
Your recovery this week
Your 6-week postnatal check-up is coming up — one of the most important appointments of your postpartum journey. Start making a list of questions and concerns. Think about your physical recovery, your mood, contraception, and any pain or discomfort you're still experiencing. This appointment is for YOU, not just baby. Be honest with your doctor about everything — no concern is too small.
Common symptoms this week
Every recovery is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. Be gentle with yourself.
- Lingering pain or discomfort
- Shifting moods
- Possible urinary leakage
- Continued tiredness
This week’s checklist
- Write down questions for your 6-week postnatal check-up
- Note any ongoing physical symptoms (pain, bleeding, incontinence)
- Think about how your mood has been — be ready to be honest
- Research contraception options before your appointment
- Continue daily pelvic floor exercises
- Focus meals on protein, iron, and hydration to support breastfeeding
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body healing exactly as it should — the everyday aches and changes don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Ongoing significant pain (should be improving by now)
- Persistent mood changes — PPD can develop up to 12 months postpartum
- Urinary incontinence that isn't improving
- Any new or worsening symptoms before your check-up
This guide offers general information for typical postpartum recovery and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for you and your baby.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal 5 weeks postpartum?
Around 5 weeks after delivery, it is common to experience lingering pain or discomfort, shifting moods, possible urinary leakage, continued tiredness. Every recovery is different.
What happens 5 weeks after delivery?
Your 6-week postnatal check-up is coming up — one of the most important appointments of your postpartum journey. Start making a list of questions and concerns.
When should I call my doctor after delivery?
Call your doctor if you notice ongoing significant pain (should be improving by now), persistent mood changes — PPD can develop up to 12 months postpartum, urinary incontinence that isn't improving, any new or worsening symptoms before your check-up.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: