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It is recommended that you have a complete physical about a year after the birth of your child. By that time, your body should be back to its normal state. If it is not, the physical may be able to determine why you have not yet fully recovered from the birth. This physical should also include a trip to the dentist and to the eye doctor.

The physician will begin by taking a complete medical history. Answer the questions honestly, even if they are embarrassing. If you lie, you're only short changing yourself.

Bring your shot record. If you need any vaccines or booster shots, this is a good time to get them. If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last ten years, get one.

• You'll be asked to give a urine sample. Not only does a urinalysis detect urinary infections, but they can also be useful in detecting some forms of liver and kidney disease, as well as diabetes.
• A stool sample will be collected and tested for the presence of blood.
• Blood will be withdrawn for a complete blood chemistry, including thyroid function and cholesterol levels.
• Pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will be taken.
• You'll have your weight checked.
• Glucose test; if not done as part of the urinalysis, will be done by taking a small sample of blood from a finger puncture.
• Breast exam.
• Your skin will be looked at for signs of skin cancer and abnormal moles, which may be cancerous.
• Pelvic exam, including a pap test.
• A rectal exam may be preformed, externally, to check for hemorrhoids. The internal portion of the exam is used to check for polyps and other abnormal features.
• Pregnancy test.
• Electrocardiogram, for a routine physical, this if usually done at rest. The procedure is painless. While you are laying on your back electrodes are pasted or taped to your chest, wrists, and ankles. The electrodes pick up the electrical signals from your heart and transmit them to a machine that transcribes them onto paper. This provides the doctor with a visual record of your heart's function.
• A chest x-ray is often taken, although not always.

Additional tests, which may be given if, warranted.

• Mammogram
• HIV test
• Bone mass density
• Hepatitis test
• Liver function test

Now that the baby has arrived, a full set of x-rays will probably be taken.

Your teeth should be cleaned, and a general dental exam will be given.

An important aspect of this exam will be to see if there are any signs of gum diseases, such as gingivitis. Many women develop gingivitis during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, but this should clear up naturally after the birth. If it hasn't, remedial measures are needed.

Having a baby, in and of itself, does not usually cause vision problems. However, you should have your eyes checked on a regular basis, and this is a good time to do it. Moreover, a bonus, eye exams don't hurt!

If you've never had an eye exam before, it is conducted while you sit comfortably in a chair. The doctor will look in your eyes with a bright light, looking at the external features of your eyes. Then you will be asked to look through a mask like device, at a series of charts. This allows the doctor to gage your visual acuity. If your vision is not clear, the doctor will place a variety of lenses in front of the viewing holes until you find a set that gives you the clearest vision. You will be given a prescription from which you can have eyeglasses or contacts made.

The doctor may also put drops in your eyes to dilate them. This enables the doctor to look for physical abnormalities in the interior portion of your eyes. While not painful, dilation will distort your vision and make you sensitive to bright light for several hours. Therefore, it is advisable that you do not drive afterwards.

Pregnancy takes a terrific toll on the body, by having a complete physical you will be assured that you are back to 'being yourself'. If for some reason you are not, now is the time to find out. Early detection and early treatment can prevent a potentially serious problem from becoming one.