Getting labs while postpartum can help shed insight and improve your overall wellness, and now you can purchase these tests on your own – without a doctor’s visit!
This article has been medically reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Alissia Zenhausern, NMD.
When pregnant, there are countless tests and seemingly endless blood draws. But, after birth? Not so much. But that doesn’t mean that postpartum bloodwork isn’t essential and can’t give vital insight into what’s going on in your body after birth and throughout your postpartum recovery.
Postpartum bloodwork at-a-glance
- Getting postpartum labwork isn’t always straightforward
- Up to 40% of people who give birth don’t attend a postpartum visit
- Labcorp OnDemand offers on-demand blood tests anyone can purchase
- Many common postpartum symptoms can signal something else is off
- It’s ideal to test for anemia, vitamin deficiencies, your diabetes risk, and more
- Self-advocacy is essential to receive the postpartum care you deserve
- Use your results to work with your doctor to help understand your symptoms
The problem many new parents and mothers encounter is getting answers through labwork isn’t always easy to access, especially as it isn’t a standard of care in Western medicine. Plus, health insurance can be tricky.
Editor’s note: This is a sponsored post. All opinions found within this post reflect our honest thoughts and opinions. We feel that Labcorp OnDemand is a life-changing product for new parents and is aligned with our mission to support new parents.
Also, while medically-reviewed, this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Thanks for reading!
My experience with postpartum bloodwork
I’ll never forget how shocked I was at the amount of blood draws and lab workups I had throughout my – very routine – pregnancy. That number is even higher if you’ve suffered recurring losses, conceived via IVF, or experienced pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, etc.
It felt like every week, I was heading back to my doctor’s office for even more bloodwork, which, in a way, gave me great insight and reassurance that things were going to plan (I’m very grateful for that).
After I gave birth, I was also shocked. But this time, I was taken aback by how little standardized bloodwork there is for a new mom – aside from a standard CBC (complete blood count) often completed after birth – throughout her postpartum care.
I was under the care of a midwife and an OB-GYN then, and neither offered me bloodwork during my postpartum visits. As a new mom, I didn’t know what signs or symptoms to look for (more on that below) or what specific tests I would benefit from completing.
Ultimately, I trudged through postpartum as a new mom with a healing cesarean wound, completely overwhelmed and exhausted. It improved only once I started speaking up and learning my options.
Why getting labs done after birth can help
According to ACOG, as many as 40% of women who have given birth do not attend a postpartum visit.
The ACOG believes that this underutilization of postpartum care creates a variety of health risks postpartum, including impeding the management of chronic health conditions and limiting access to effective contraceptive options, which in turn can increase the risk of short-interval pregnancy and preterm birth, and complications in future pregnancies.
On top of this, it’s no secret that our bodies undergo significant changes from pre-conception to pregnancy to postpartum. It’s believed that as we fully enter matresence, the postpartum hormone drop is the most significant hormone shift in the shortest amount of time.
With life after birth comes many, many new symptoms, most of which are written off as “normal” or a “part of the process.” How often has someone nonchalantly told you, “Welcome to motherhood,” when you express that something feels off in your body or you’re going through a rough patch?
Just because something isn’t standard or offered doesn’t mean it’s not important, postpartum bloodwork included. And just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.
Some of the common symptoms often chalked up to new motherhood (but could be symptoms of something bigger) include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Indecisiveness
- Rage/anger
- Digestive problems
- Incontinence
- Depression
- Anxiety
…and many more.
While some of these symptoms might signal a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, some could be caused or exacerbated by underlying issues that could be identified through simple bloodwork.
Hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and more can all contribute to or exacerbate the above symptoms, commonly occurring after birth and throughout postpartum recovery.
No matter the cause of your symptoms, you must dig to uncover what might be causing them so you can feel your best during this complex and exhausting phase. You deserve to have answers.
What bloodwork is typically done postpartum?
In the United States, bloodwork is not part of a routine six-week postpartum check-up. Most traditional doctors do not offer this type of care, and most new parents don’t know how to ask for it or what to ask for.
Hopefully, this will change as ACOG now recognizes and recommends that postpartum care should be an ongoing process rather than a single encounter.
Additionally, insurance restrictions make it difficult for your provider to order bloodwork even if they want to. As you can see, getting the postpartum bloodwork you need can be trickier than expected.
But, we hope the information in this article will empower you – the patient – to know what you should test after birth – with or without your doctor’s orders. Remember, just because something isn’t standard or offered doesn’t mean it’s not important, postpartum bloodwork included.
Self-advocacy is critical to getting the postpartum support you deserve, but it can be tricky to know what to ask for when you don’t know the options in the first place.
When to test after birth
It’s important to note that hormones (including FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) are generally not ordered within the first year of birth due to natural hormonal fluctuations and whether the patient is breastfeeding.
But that doesn’t mean that postpartum bloodwork isn’t important and shouldn’t be addressed at your six-week postpartum appointment. Ultimately, remember that it’s never too late to order bloodwork and gain insight into what’s happening in your body.
Keep reading to learn what to test after birth and how to access postpartum bloodwork without your doctor’s referral.
Bloodwork to complete after birth:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)*
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)*
- Thyroid panel (including TSH and Free T4)*
- Anemia Panel*
- Diabetes Risk (including hemoglobin A1C)*
- Vitamin Deficiency Test (or at a minimum, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Folate)*
- Cortisol (should be drawn between 7-9 am for accuracy)
- Lipid/Cholesterol panel*
*Denotes test is available through Labcorp OnDemand.
How to purchase your postpartum bloodwork (without your doctor’s orders)
Thanks to forward-thinking companies understanding the need for consumer-initiated testing, you – the patient and consumer – can now access postpartum bloodwork without involving your doctor.
Now, you can test independently and use your results to dig deeper into your symptoms, then loop in your doctor and/or additional postpartum specialists for individualized support. It’s just one way to put the power back in your hands regarding postpartum recovery.
Remember, this testing often isn’t covered by insurance, and you’ll be required to pay out of pocket or your HSA/FSA account if eligible. The best part? You’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront, which means no surprise bills in the mail.
Also, purchasing your own blood work can be a great way to communicate with your doctor about your needs. If something comes up abnormal, scheduling an appointment with your doctor will be a great way to fast-track your recovery.
Using Labcorp OnDemand for your postpartum labs
Now, you can purchase the same tests your doctor uses without your doctor’s referral. More insight and information are essential for new moms, and postpartum bloodwork through Labcorp OnDemand is an incredibly empowering option when navigating recovery after birth.
Whether you’ve already had your six-week postpartum appointment or are well into motherhood, bloodwork can give vital insight into what’s happening, including uncovering postnatal depletion, hormone imbalances, and more.
Purchasing your labs: the step-by-step process
Ready to purchase your own postpartum labwork? Here’s what to do:
- Head to Labcorp OnDemand
- Select which tests to purchase (more on what we recommend and why below)
- Purchase and register your tests
- Provide your sample
- Access your results online in your Labcorp Patient Portal
- Share your results with your care providers as desired
Exclusive promo code for our readers: Save $10 on your first order with Labcorp OnDemand with code POSTPARTUM10 at checkout. Visit now.
Once you have your lab results, you can dig into the data, have conversations with your doctor, and research to better understand what might be going on with you after birth.
More about some of the postpartum bloodwork testing Labcorp OnDemand offers
Below, check out some postpartum-friendly bloodwork labs Labcorp OnDemand offers.
As you read through and learn about each test, pay close attention to the collection method, sample time, and any specific preparation measures you must take.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, this bloodwork is offered at some medical centers and is sometimes completed after birth. It gives insight into whether a patient has recovered from blood loss or has an infection.
If you need to complete a CBC, the test is available through Labcorp OnDemand.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel will help assess liver function (which can help better understand hormone balance), electrolyte levels, kidney levels, and blood sugar balance (which can impact your mood!).
Thyroid panel
Your thyroid is small, but it can greatly impact your mood, fertility, how quickly your body burns calories and more. The Standard Thyroid Test is an excellent starting point for more answers.
Anemia Panel
To better understand if you’re just exhausted from having a newborn or if it’s something more, an Anemia Panel could be helpful. In addition to fatigue, Anemia can cause or exacerbate dizziness, headaches, and hair loss.
Don’t assume that all hair loss in the first year postpartum is simply due to postpartum hormone fluctuations; other important health conditions could contribute to your symptoms, and without the proper testing, you may go months without symptom improvement.)
Anemia can also affect your mental health. One study found that “postpartum anemia negatively affects health-related quality of life and that iron replenishment improves both symptoms of fatigue and depression.”
This panel also includes a CBC (like the one mentioned above).
Diabetes Risk
The Diabetes Risk Test from Labcorp OnDemand is a 2-in-1 test that measures diabetes risk (HbAlc) and your cholesterol.
This test is especially important for those with gestational diabetes (your doctor should test you after birth if you are officially diagnosed). If you were diagnosed with this in pregnancy, monitoring your insulin levels postpartum is important.
Insulin resistance is the most common early sign of the later onset of Type II diabetes. Understanding your insulin levels will better equip you for proper dietary choices postpartum and beyond.
It’s generally advised to wait at least six to eight weeks after birth to check your cholesterol levels, and if breastfeeding, test once that chapter is closed.
Vitamin Deficiency Test (Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Folate)
Testing these specific vitamins for deficiencies is important because, as a result, you could experience tiredness, lethargy, weakness, and digestive problems. Also, a deficiency could impact your overall mental health.
More to consider about your bloodwork
No matter your reason for pursuing bloodwork after giving birth, it’s critical that you continue to advocate for your right to care and sufficient answers until your symptoms improve.
Labcorp OnDemand and their consumer-initiated testing have removed one of the biggest barriers to getting the answers you deserve.
It’s time that we put the power of postpartum recovery back in the hands of new mothers and empower them to feel their best. It’s time postpartum parents have easy access to their critical health information, all from the convenience of their own home.
Labcorp OnDemand reader savings: Save $10 on your first order with promo code POSTPARTUM10 at checkout. Visit now.
Other resources you might find helpful
- Your Postpartum Hormone Timeline: Here’s What Happens
- Listen in: Why You Need Postpartum Bloodwork (and What to Ask For)
- What Nutrients Do Postpartum Women Need? A Closer Look
Article references
“ACOG Redesigns Postpartum Care.” ACOG, www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2018/04/acog-redesigns-postpartum-care.
Dar, Shir, et al. “Do We Need Routine Complete Blood Count Examination Post Partum?” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3 Oct. 2005, www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(05)01922-8/fulltext.
“Matrescence.” MATRESCENCE | Definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/matrescence.
Moya, Ernest, et al. “Effect of Postpartum Anaemia on Maternal Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMC Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8862508/.
