Days 2 to 14Guideline
Postnatal checks at 2–3 days and 1–2 weeks
For mother and baby, after at least 24 hours in hospital following a normal birth.
Why It Matters (Clinical Guidance)
- Most serious problems after birth happen in the first two weeks.
- WHO advises at least 24 hours in hospital, then checks at 48–72 hours and at 7–14 days.
- Go at once for heavy bleeding, fever, a bad headache or breathlessness.
Primary Citation: WHO postnatal care recommendations 2022
Last checked: October 2026 • Medical review panel forming