What it measures
- Full blood count
- Ferritin (iron stores)
- CRP (inflammation)
- TSH
- Free T4
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
Your recovery after birth
It’s normal to feel tired with a new baby, but anaemia, low iron, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies are also common after birth and can make recovery much harder. This test checks the most common causes:
- Full blood count and ferritin for anaemia and iron stores, which can be depleted by pregnancy and blood loss at birth
- Thyroid function, as postpartum thyroiditis affects around 1 in 20 women
- Vitamin D, B12 and folate, which matter for your energy and, if you’re breastfeeding, your baby
- CRP to check for inflammation or infection
For a later check of blood sugar, thyroid antibodies and cholesterol, see our Post Partum 02 Blood Test.
Who it’s for
- Exhaustion beyond normal new-parent tiredness
- Heavy bleeding during or after birth
- Hair loss, low mood or palpitations after birth
- Breastfeeding and wanting to check your nutrition
How to prepare
- Drink plenty of water beforehand; it makes the sample quicker and easier to take.
- You don’t need to fast.
Post Partum 01 Blood Test: your questions
When should I have a post-partum blood test?
Any time from a few weeks after birth, or whenever you feel your recovery isn’t going as expected.
Information on this page is general and doesn’t replace advice from your GP, midwife or consultant. If you feel unwell or are worried about symptoms, contact your GP, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999.