Postpartum Lab Tests: What to Check After Baby

The postpartum period is a time of significant physical recovery. Lab testing can help identify nutrient depletions and hormone changes that affect how you feel.

Why Postpartum Testing Matters

Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete:

• Iron
• B vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Hormones also shift dramatically after birth, which can affect mood, energy, and thyroid function.

The Postpartum Lab Panel

Essential Tests

• Complete thyroid panel (postpartum thyroiditis is common)
• Ferritin and CBC
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Fasting glucose (if gestational diabetes)

If Experiencing Symptoms

• Cortisol (if exhaustion is severe)
• Hormone panel (if mood issues persist)
• Comprehensive metabolic panel

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Up to 10% of women develop postpartum thyroiditis. It can cause:

• Hyperthyroid phase (anxiety, racing heart, weight loss)
• Followed by hypothyroid phase (fatigue, depression, weight gain)
• Sometimes both, sometimes just one

Test thyroid if you have any concerning symptoms.

When to Test

Consider testing:

• 6 weeks postpartum (routine checkup)
• If symptoms develop at any time
• Before discontinuing breastfeeding
• When periods return

References

• Stagnaro-Green, A., et al. (2011). Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Thyroid, 21(10), 1081-1125.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 233: Anemia in pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 138(2), e26-e50.