Gynaecologist explains how a simple ultrasound helps mothers heal after childbirth

You have just brought a tiny human into the world, your phone is filled with adorable newborn photos, your schedule is a blur of diaper changes and feedings and you probably have not slept in ages. In all the joy and chaos of new motherhood, there is one thing that many women forget to book and that is a post-pregnancy sonography.In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Anuja Thomas, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai, shared, “Sonography shouldn't be only done during pregnancy but also after pregnancy if needed. Post-pregnancy sonography plays an important role when it comes to a mother’s complete recovery after childbirth. It helps doctors check if the uterus and other organs have returned to normal and detect hidden complications that may not cause symptoms early on. Here, the expert highlights the importance of post-pregnancy sonography. Do it without fail as advised by the doctor.” Medical research supports that postpartum ultrasounds are more than a nice extra, they can be a medical safety net that catches hidden postpartum complications before they turn into major problems.Ultrasound detects retained placental tissue and causes of heavy bleeding. According to a 2019 study published in Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, “Transvaginal ultrasound plays a critical role in identifying retained products of conception, sub-involution of the uterus, and other causes of postpartum haemorrhage, especially when clinical findings are inconclusive.”Postpartum bleeding might seem normal but when it is heavy or prolonged, it can be due to retained placental fragments or delayed uterine involution (slow shrinking of the uterus). Ultrasound helps doctors see what can’t be felt and treat it early — potentially preventing infection, anaemia, or emergency interventions. Dr Thomas said, “After giving birth, most women focus on caring for their newborns, often forgetting that their own body also needs healing and attention. Post-pregnancy or postpartum sonography is just as important as prenatal scans. This simple test helps ensure that the mother’s uterus, ovaries and surrounding organs are healthy and returning to their normal state. It can detect hidden complications that may arise after delivery, or those ones got undetected during pregnancy scans, ensuring timely treatment and a smooth recovery. Understand the importance of post-pregnancy sonography.”Ultrasound helps identify abdominal and pelvic issues after birth. A 2017 study in International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences found, “Ultrasonography can reveal a wide range of postpartum conditions, including fluid collections, uterine abnormalities, ovarian pathology, and pelvic masses, which may not cause symptoms initially but can affect long-term health.”Ultrasound is not just for bleeding, it can uncover conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids or fluid collections that were masked during pregnancy or hidden under postpartum discomfort. Early detection means early care and less stress later. Ultrasound quantifies diastasis recti and musculoskeletal changes. A 2018 study in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy revealed, “Ultrasound imaging is a reliable tool for measuring inter-recti distance and assessing diastasis recti — a common postpartum abdominal wall separation associated with core weakness and pelvic instability.” Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and sometimes the muscles don’t return to normal on their own. Sonography can measure and monitor diastasis recti (abdominal separation), helping professionals plan targeted rehabilitation, something that physical exam alone may miss.During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes major changes where the uterus expands, hormone levels fluctuate and organs shift position. After childbirth, it takes time for everything to return to normal. According to Dr Thomas, postpartum sonography helps doctors evaluate whether this recovery process is happening as expected. The ultrasound can detect or help them to manage:Dr Thomas said, “A post-pregnancy ultrasound allows us to catch these problems early and prevent long-term health issues. It should be done within 4 to 6 weeks after delivery as advised by your doctor. The procedure is safe, painless, and takes only a few minutes. It may be done abdominally or transvaginally, depending on the case and the woman’s comfort.”Post-pregnancy sonography is not optional, it is a clinic-proven tool that helps doctors. Ultrasound gives reassurance and more importantly, actionable insight.Dr Anuja Thomas concluded, “Timely post-pregnancy sonography helps in reducing prolonged bleeding or heavy bleeding, ensuring proper healing after C-section, detecting hidden conditions like fibroids or cysts early and providing reassurance of complete recovery. Regular follow-up and early detection through ultrasound ensure that new mothers recover fully, stay healthy and are better able to care for their baby. It is time that women should be encouraged to do sonography and make sure they are leading healthy lives.”Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.