Your baby this week
Your baby is growing so fast! Your baby can hold their head up briefly during tummy time and is making more sounds — cooing and gurgling. Your baby recognizes your face and definitely prefers you over strangers! Your baby's sleep might be slightly more predictable now (though no promises). Your baby loves looking at high-contrast patterns and listening to you talk.
Your recovery this week
The 6-week postnatal check-up is here. Your doctor will check your physical recovery (uterus, stitches, C-section scar), screen for postpartum depression, discuss contraception, and clear you for exercise and intimacy. Research shows postpartum depression tends to peak around 6 weeks — so this screening is critically timed. Be completely honest about how you're feeling — physically AND emotionally. Your uterus should be back to its pre-pregnancy size, and menstruation may resume around now (6–8 weeks) if you're not breastfeeding. After clearance, you can gradually increase activity — but 'cleared' doesn't mean fully healed. Full core and pelvic floor recovery takes 6–12 months.
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.
- Uterus back to its normal size
- Periods may return (if not nursing)
- Low mood around the 6-week mark
- Some discomfort with intimacy
This week’s checklist
- 6-week postnatal check-up — do NOT skip this appointment
- Discuss contraception options with your doctor
- Discuss your mood and emotional wellbeing openly with your doctor
- Ask about returning to exercise — start with pelvic floor and walking
- Discuss any ongoing pain, bleeding, or breastfeeding issues
- Baby's 6-week vaccinations due: DPT-1, OPV-1, Hepatitis B-1, Rotavirus-1, PCV-1, fIPV-1
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
- Painful intercourse when you resume (discuss with doctor)
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 6 weeks postpartum?
Around 6 weeks after delivery, it is common to experience uterus back to its normal size, periods may return (if not nursing), low mood around the 6-week mark, some discomfort with intimacy. Every recovery is different.
What happens 6 weeks after delivery?
The 6-week postnatal check-up is here. Your doctor will check your physical recovery (uterus, stitches, C-section scar), screen for postpartum depression, discuss contraception, and clear you for exercise and intimacy.
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, painful intercourse when you resume (discuss with doctor).
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: