Postpartum Maternity Checkup Cost

Typical costs:

• The typical cost of a postpartum checkup is similar to that of a prenatal visit -- usually between $100 and $200.
• Postpartum check-ups usually are covered by health insurance. Any plan that covered your prenatal care and delivery should cover postpartum care.
• For patients covered by health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost typically consists of a copay of about $10 to $30.

• At a postpartum visit, the doctor usually will do: check blood pressure and weight; perform a breast examination and will ask about nipple soreness and breastfeeding; an abdominal examination and, if you had a C-section, a check of the incision; a pelvic examination to make sure your uterus is almost back to normal size and that the cervix has closed; if it has not, that could mean there are leftover placental fragments that could cause infection; and check for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The doctor also will talk about when it is safe to resume sexual intercourse with your partner, and will counsel you on contraception.
• The doctor also will ask about your emotional state and sleeping habits, checking for signs of postpartum depression.
• The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals^[1] provides a checklist for the 6 week postpartum checkup.

• If you were anemic during pregnancy or lost a large amount of blood during pregnancy, the doctor might perform a routine blood test.
• If you are experiencing postpartum depression, you probably will need additional treatment, such as counseling or anti-depressant medications. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services^[2] has information on postpartum depression. Treatment generally is covered by health insurance.

• If you are due for a Pap test, the doctor can perform one, and the visit can count as your annual gynecological exam.

• The doctor or nurse-midwife who delivered your baby also can do the postpartum exam. Usually, when you are examined at the hospital or birth center right after the birth of your baby, the doctor or midwife will tell you to make an appointment for a postpartum check-up.
• If, for some reason, you are choosing a new provider and want to see an obstetrician/gynecologist, he or she should be board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists^[3] . Or, the American College of Nurse-Midwives^[4] offers a certified midwife locator. And the American Board of Family Medicine^[5] offers a board-certified family physician locator.

1.  www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Patient-Resources/fact-sheets/6weekpostpartumch...
2.  www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy.cfm
3.  www.acog.org/About_ACOG/Find_an_Ob-Gyn
4.  www.midwife.org/rp/find.cfm
5.  /www.theabfm.org

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