The six-week postnatal check in Singapore: what the doctor checks, questions to bring, and polyclinic versus private

The six-week postnatal check is your own review, not your baby's, at four to six weeks after the birth. KKH's doctors say your weight and blood pressure are taken, your tummy and your stitches or caesarean scar are checked, and you're asked about your breasts, feeding, mood and contraception. You get a Pap smear if you're due for one, and a glucose test if you had gestational diabetes. KKH books the appointment before you go home. For a polyclinic, book "Postnatal Care" in the HealthHub app; National University Polyclinics charges a Singapore Citizen $19.60 for a subsidised consultation from 1 September 2026, before tests. Below: what's checked and why, a question list to tick, what to say if you're struggling, and what changes after a C-section.

What the six-week check is, and where it happens

KKH's going-home advice says you'll be given a postnatal follow-up before discharge, at its Women's Specialist Clinic, a GP clinic or a polyclinic. KKH's doctors explain that most pregnancy changes take about six weeks to settle: the womb shrinks back, the fluid in your ankles and wrists clears in 4 to 6 weeks, and the bleeding fades. The check is the point where a doctor confirms that's happening, and the moment to raise anything that isn't.

When to book, and what to bring

KKH's doctors say the check is normally four to six weeks after the birth, or earlier if you had medical problems in pregnancy. Your discharge papers should have the date. If they don't, call the clinic that delivered you, or book a polyclinic yourself: in the HealthHub app, tap Appointments, then Make new appointment, then Book Polyclinic Appointment, and change the service type from Doctor consultation to Postnatal Care. The same list has Lactation Support Service and Cervical Cancer Screening, though HealthHub notes that services vary by polyclinic. Much earlier than four weeks is too soon for the doctor to see whether your womb and wound have settled. Take:

• Your discharge summary and any medicines or supplements you're taking
• Your written list of questions (there's one to tick below)
• Notes on your bleeding: when it stopped, and whether you've had a period
• Your baby, if you can't arrange care; most clinics are used to it, but ask about bringing a helper

What the doctor checks

This is what KKH's obstetricians say is likely to happen, with the reasons behind each step.

Bleeding, leaks and pain all count as "general health". HealthHub says to see a doctor if pelvic floor exercises haven't stopped urine leaks after three months, and the six-week check is a good place to say it's happening. Our guide to leaking urine after pregnancy covers what comes next.

If your cervical screening fell due while you were pregnant, the NHS reschedules it for about 12 weeks after the birth; ask your doctor whether yours should be done now or at a later visit.

The mood questionnaire (EPDS)

Many clinics use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), ten questions about how you've felt over the past 7 days. HealthHub says about 1 in 10 Singapore mothers who've recently given birth may have postnatal depression. Its free online version is meant for mothers who delivered in the past six months, can be used up to a year after the birth, and shows your score as soon as you submit, so take it before your check and bring the result. If your answers point to depression, HealthHub's next step is your GP, polyclinic or obstetrician. It also lists the Samaritans of Singapore (1767, or SOS CareText), the Community Psychology Hub's online counselling, and KKH's Women's Mental Wellness Service at pnd@kkh.com.sg, which replies within 3 to 5 working days.

HealthHub's tool sorts your answers into three results. If they suggest depression, it strongly encourages you to see your GP, polyclinic or obstetrician. If you're unlikely to be depressed but are finding it hard to cope, it suggests leaning on family and friends so you get time to rest. Otherwise it tells you to keep looking after yourself and watching your mood. Question 10 asks whether the thought of harming yourself has occurred to you; if it has, tell the doctor even if your other answers look fine. A higher score leads to a talk about support, and nobody is judging your parenting.

KKH screens mothers at the first postnatal review in selected clinics through its Women's Mental Wellness Service, and the programme also takes mothers who delivered elsewhere. Of about 8,210 women it screened from 2008 to 2013, 5.1% were borderline and 6.2% scored high; both groups were offered counselling or a psychiatrist through a case manager.

Questions to bring to your six-week check

Consultations are short, so write your questions down. Tick the ones that apply to you and take the list with you.

Our guides to contraception after giving birth, sex after giving birth and planning your next pregnancy help you prepare the last two groups. If the bond with your baby feels slow to come, our guide to not bonding with your newborn explains why it happens and when to get help.

What to say if you're struggling

Six-week checks are short, and it's easy to say "fine" while holding a crying baby. If you're not fine, say so in the first minute, before the physical checks. Words that work:

• "I'm not coping, and I need to talk about how I'm feeling."
• "I've felt low or anxious most days for more than two weeks."
• "I'm having thoughts that frighten me."
• "It still hurts when I sit, pee, poo or have sex."
• "I'm leaking, and I'd like to see a physiotherapist."

If thoughts of harming yourself or your baby come up before the appointment, don't wait for it: call 995, go to an emergency department, or ring the Samaritans of Singapore on 1767. Our guide to postnatal depression help in Singapore lists services by hospital.

After a C-section: what's different

You're healing from surgery as well as a birth, so the review goes further. Expect the doctor to check the scar closely and talk about what you can do yet.

• Lifting: KKH says nothing heavy for at least two months after a caesarean.
• Driving: NUH doesn't advise driving until after 6 weeks, when the wound has healed enough for an emergency stop.
• Exercise: gentle tummy and pelvic floor work first; running and heavy weights wait until at least 3 months. Our guide to exercise after giving birth has a week-by-week plan.
• Pain that lingers: KKH says 9.2% of mothers in Singapore still have pain more than three months after a caesarean. Mention it now rather than later.

Ask too about the gap before your next pregnancy, whatever kind of birth you had. KKH's doctors advise waiting one and a half years between pregnancies so your body can recover, partly to rebuild its iron and calcium stores. If you'd like a vaginal birth next time, ask whether you'd be suitable: KKH puts the chance of a successful vaginal birth after one caesarean at 50 to 60%, and the risk of the scar tearing at 0.5%. Our family planning guide covers the timing.

Our C-section recovery guide covers wound infection signs and scar care in detail.

Polyclinic, KKH clinic or private: how they compare

Where you go depends on how you delivered and whether you were a subsidised or private patient. Fees are each provider's own published consultation charges for a Singapore Citizen, read in October 2026; tests, a Pap smear and medicines cost extra.

Whichever you choose, bring your discharge summary and your pregnancy booklet if you have one, so the doctor can see what happened at the birth.

Your baby's checks are separate

Your baby has their own schedule of jabs and growth checks, usually at a polyclinic or your paediatrician. KKH's planner notes that the next vaccination after birth is due at about 4 weeks. Our vaccination schedule tool lists the dates, and our guide to postnatal recovery after birth covers your first six weeks.

Frequently asked questions

When is the six-week postnatal check in Singapore?

Four to six weeks after the birth, KKH's doctors say, or earlier if you had problems in pregnancy. KKH gives you the appointment before you're discharged, at its specialist clinic, a GP or a polyclinic.

How do I book a postnatal check at a polyclinic?

In the HealthHub app, tap Appointments, Make new appointment, then Book Polyclinic Appointment, and change the service type to Postnatal Care. Services vary by polyclinic, so call the clinic if you can't find it.

What happens at the six-week postnatal check?

KKH's doctors say your weight and blood pressure are taken, your tummy and wound are checked, and you're asked about feeding, breast problems, mood and contraception. You'll have a Pap smear if you're due, and a glucose test if you had gestational diabetes.

How much does the six-week check cost?

At National University Polyclinics, a subsidised consultation for a Singapore Citizen is $19.60 from 1 September 2026, before tests. A subsidised KKH specialist visit costs S$37.20 to S$101.49; private fees are higher.

Is the six-week check for me or my baby?

For you. Your baby's vaccinations and growth checks follow their own schedule. The next jab is due about four weeks after the birth.

Do I need a Pap smear at the six-week check?

Only if you're due for one. HealthHub recommends a Pap test from 25 to 29 and an HPV test from 30, at the recommended intervals.

Can I have sex before the six-week check?

KKH advises waiting until your wound has healed and checking with your doctor at the postnatal review. Use contraception from the first time, because fertility can return before your first period.