Post Partum Follow Up
Patient: Sarah Johnson
Date of Consultation: 1 November 2024
History of Current Concern
Ms. Johnson presents for her 6-week postpartum follow-up. She reports persistent fatigue and occasional mood swings since delivery, particularly in the evenings. She describes her energy levels as 4/10 on most days. She denies suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming the baby. She is breastfeeding exclusively and reports some discomfort during latching, rating it 3/10. She also notes occasional mild vaginal spotting, which started approximately 2 weeks ago and has been intermittent since.
Gynaecological History
- Regular menstrual cycles prior to pregnancy (28-day cycle, 5 days duration).
- History of oral contraceptive pill use for 5 years, discontinued prior to conception.
- Denies any history of STIs or significant gynaecological issues.
Past Medical History
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during current pregnancy, managed with diet, resolved postpartum.
- No other significant past medical conditions.
Past Obstetric History
- G1P1 (Gravida 1, Para 1).
- Full-term spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) at 39 weeks 2 days, 6 weeks ago.
- Uncomplicated pregnancy aside from GDM.
- Live healthy male infant, birth weight 3.5 kg.
Medications
- Prenatal vitamin, daily.
- Ibuprofen 400mg PRN for discomfort, last taken 3 days ago.
Allergies
- No known allergies.
Physical Examination
- Abdominal examination: Fundus non-palpable, mild tenderness over C-section incision (if applicable, assuming SVD here, so "mild tenderness over lower abdomen, consistent with involution").
- External genitalia: Intact perineum, no signs of infection or significant trauma.
- Speculum examination: Vaginal mucosa pink and rugated, minimal discharge. Cervix appears healthy, os closed.
- Bimanual examination: Uterus involuted, non-tender. Adnexa clear.
Pap Smear:
Routine Pap smear performed today. Results pending.
Imaging
- No imaging studies performed today.
Impression
1. Postpartum fatigue and mood lability.
2. Breastfeeding challenges (latch discomfort).
3. Postpartum vaginal spotting.
4. Resolved Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
Plan
- Discussed normal postpartum recovery, including fatigue and hormonal changes. Provided education on 'baby blues' versus postpartum depression and advised to seek immediate attention for worsening mood.
- Referred to lactation consultant for assessment and support regarding latch discomfort.
- Advised on expectant management for mild vaginal spotting, instructed to monitor for heavy bleeding, foul odour, or fever.
- Recommended continued monitoring of blood glucose levels for 6 weeks postpartum given history of GDM, and advised on lifestyle modifications to reduce future diabetes risk.
- Follow-up in 3 months for Pap smear results review and general wellbeing check, sooner if concerns arise.