Don't skip the checkup at 42 days postpartum; in some places it is also a screening for postpartum depression

Cost

Free; it is part of the basic public health services. It takes half a day. The hard part is not wanting to go out once the postpartum month is over.

What you get

Under maternal health management in the National Basic Public Health Service Standards (3rd edition) (《国家基本公共卫生服务规范（第三版）》), there is 1 postpartum home visit and 1 health checkup at 42 days postpartum. In the service lists published locally, this visit includes lab tests (a blood count and a vaginal discharge exam) and 1 postpartum depression screening. The National Health Commission's 2020 work plan for depression prevention and treatment services requires pilot areas to “include screening for depression in pregnancy and after birth in routine prenatal checkups and postpartum visits.” So whether depression can be screened at the postpartum visit depends on whether your area does it. Serious complications can occur at any time within a year after birth. On the “go to the hospital now” list in §27.7, “thoughts of harming yourself or the baby,” “postpartum vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge” and “severe swelling and pain in one limb” all apply after birth.

Notes

Postpartum depression is not oversensitivity, and a relative telling you to “cheer up” does not solve it. There are screening questionnaires for it, there is treatment, and people recover. For what to do when you have thoughts of suicide, see §1. For the lawful options if you truly cannot raise the baby, see §9.20. This checkup also looks at how the wound is healing, how the uterus is recovering and how well the pelvic floor is working. The contraception plan is discussed at this visit too: not having periods after birth does not mean you can't get pregnant.

Evidence grade

A : Specific numbers from meta-analyses, large cohorts or randomized trials; for law and policy, the statute or official text.

Sources

1. National Health and Family Planning Commission (2017). National Basic Public Health Service Standards (3rd edition) [in Chinese]. https://www.nhc.gov.cn/ewebeditor/uploadfile/2017/04/20170417104506514.pdf
2. Jingjiang Municipal People's Government. National Basic Public Health Service Program: maternal health management services (local service list made public) [in Chinese]. https://www.jingjiang.gov.cn/xxgk/zdlyxxgk/wsjk/art/2023/art_383017a2e7794892bc772bfbe042f379.html
3. General Office of the National Health Commission (2020). Notice on exploring specialized services for the prevention and treatment of depression and dementia in older adults (General Office of the National Health Commission Disease Control Letter [2020] No. 726) [in Chinese]. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-09/11/content_5542555.htm

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 27, tip 16. This section is about health and medicines. It is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer