Question 1

What is a Hesta Health Check?

Accepted Answer

A Hesta Health Check is a specialised postnatal health check that gives you a clinically led picture of your physical and mental health, combining blood testing, a detailed, clinically-designed health and wellbeing questionnaire, and expert review. The assessment is designed to build a complete picture of your postnatal health across 8 clinical areas.  A Hesta postnatal clinician reviews your questionnaire responses, stated goals, and blood results together, supported by our multidisciplinary clinical team including specialist clinicians, pelvic health physiotherapists, and mental health professionals.  You receive your Hesta Health Check results, along with a personalised plan that helps you with what to do next: the Hesta Care Guide.A Hesta Health Check can be taken any time in the first two years after birth, and is tailored to where you are in your postnatal journey.  You might want to use the Hesta Health Check when returning to work, thinking about exercise, planning another pregnancy, experiencing ongoing symptoms, or simply wanting clarity on your postnatal health.

Question 2

When can I take a Hesta Health Check?

Accepted Answer

You can complete your first Hesta Health Check from around 4 weeks after birth. If you think it’s right to complete it sooner and would like to check in with the Hesta team, please contact us at support@hesta.health and we can help you out.You can also choose to have a Health Check at any moment when you feel you woujld benefit from a fuller review of your health.  Some women choose to take health checks as they approach milestones such as stopping breastfeeding, returning to exercise, returning to work or thinking about planning another pregnancy.  Others use a health check as a way of assessing persistent symptoms, or because new issues have developed.  You do not need to wait until a problem feels severe, or even know whether you have a problem, before asking for help.The Health Check can be taken at any time in the first two years after birth, and is tailored to your goals and recovery stage - you won’t receive generic testing and advice.If you are unsure whether the service is suitable for your stage of recovery, you can contact the Hesta team before booking.And if you think you need more continuous support in the early days, Fourth Trimester Care may be right for you. Learn more here.

Question 3

Is this different from my six-to-eight-week GP check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The routine six-to-eight-week postnatal check is an important part of NHS care and covers your baby as well. The Hesta Health Check is a separate, more detailed assessment designed to explore your wider health, recovery and individual concerns.It can complement your existing GP and maternity care, but it does not replace urgent medical care or any follow-up recommended by your NHS team.

Question 4

How long does it take to complete a Hesta Health Check?

Accepted Answer

The Hesta Health Check is designed so you can fit it around your life - we know life as a new mother or birthing parent can be busy and sometimes overwhelming. In general it takes around:Approximately 20 minutes to complete the Hesta360 questionnaire, although there’s no need to complete it all at once20 minutes to have your at-home blood testAs little or long as you like to review your Hesta Health Check results and Hesta Care Guide30 minutes for an online postnatal clinician consultation, if you’ve selected that option
When we include processing times for your blood results and the time our clinicians take to review your Hesta360, it usually takes around two weeks to complete a full Hesta Health Check. But if it takes longer, that’s totally fine, it’s designed to be completed at your own pace.

Question 5

Can the Health Check help if I feel exhausted after birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fatigue is common after having a baby, but persistent or severe exhaustion can sometimes be linked to factors such as disrupted sleep, iron deficiency, thyroid changes, nutrition, emotional wellbeing or the demands of recovery.
The Health Check can explore possible contributing factors and help determine whether further tests, treatment or specialist support may be appropriate.

Question 6

Can the Health Check cover mental and emotional wellbeing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emotional health is an important part of postnatal recovery. Your report will address concerns such as anxiety, low mood, feeling overwhelmed, intrusive thoughts or difficulty adjusting after birth.
Where further support would be helpful, a Hesta clinician can discuss appropriate next steps and signpost or refer you to relevant care.

Question 7

What happens if a result needs further investigation?

Accepted Answer

If a result or symptom needs further assessment, your clinician will explain why and recommend an appropriate next step. This may include speaking to your GP, arranging further tests or referring you to another healthcare professional.
Hesta does not replace emergency, maternity or GP services. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.

Question 8

What if I want to discuss my results with a clinician?

Accepted Answer

Hesta Health Checks are designed for you to have a clear understanding of your health status and what you can do next to support your recovery and longer term health, without a consultation. Your Hesta Health Check report and care guide are written and reviewed by a Hesta GP, who has been trained specifically in the healthcare needs of postnatal needs of women by Hesta. However, we know that some people also wish to discuss and talk through their results with a clinician, either because they have a specific health concern they want to discuss, or simply to have their results explained to them.You can easily book in to see one of our experienced postnatal clinicians via our website here or by contacting our friendly care team at care@hesta.health.

Question 9

What is the Hesta360?

Accepted Answer

The Hesta360 is a complete postnatal health review developed with doctors, psychologists, and physiotherapists to explore all areas of your recovery - physical, emotional, and mental.  It is a clinically-designed questionnaire that covers physical symptoms, emotional health, medical history, birth experience, lifestyle factors, and current concerns.

Question 10

Is the Hesta360 diagnostic?

Accepted Answer

No. The Hesta360 is not a standalone diagnostic. It is a structured review of your health and wellbeing, designed to be used alongside your Hesta Health blood tests to help your clinician understand where you most need support.

Question 11

Why can’t I just do the Hesta360 or a blood test on its own?

Accepted Answer

Hesta360 only makes sense as part of a full clinical pathway. The results and responses need to be interpreted in context by a qualified clinician.

Our goal is to give you joined-up, meaningful insights - not isolated numbers or data points.

Question 12

Is the postnatal consultation online or in person?

Accepted Answer

Most postnatal clinical consultations are delivered online, so you can access expert support from the comfort of your own home. If there is a clinical need for in-person care, we can arrange this on an individual basis and we will guide towards the most appropriate format for your care and recovery.

Question 13

Can I choose my doctor?

Accepted Answer

All Hesta Health postnatal clinicians are experienced GPs, who have undergone an intense selective process to join Hesta. We’ll match you with the most suitable postnatal GP, but you can request continuity if you prefer.

Question 14

What happens after my Hesta Health Check is completed?

Accepted Answer

You can refer back to your Hesta Health Check results and Hesta Care Guide whenever you like. If you’d like to arrange follow-on care, or further appointments, through Hesta Health, you can arrange them through our website here. You can also book a follow up Health Check.

Postnatal health checks, designed for you

The Hesta Postnatal Health Check

Comprehensive health checks after birth, tailored to your recovery stage

A complete picture of your postnatal recovery

What the Hesta Health Check helps you understand

Your Hesta postnatal health check is tailored to your goals and stage of postnatal recovery, from birth to two years. It includes an assessment of:

Fatigue and energy

Iron levels and nutritional deficiencies

Thyroid health

Physical recovery

Pelvic-health symptoms

Emotional wellbeing

Sleep and stress

Feeding and nutrition

Birth or Caesarean recovery

Answers to the questions that stay with you after birth

Is this normal?

Understand symptoms in the context of your recovery, stage after birth, and wider health.

Access expert clinicians, when you need support

Hesta Care brings the best postnatal expert clinicians to you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Hesta Health Check?

When can I take a Hesta Health Check?

Is this different from my six-to-eight-week GP check?

How long does it take to complete a Hesta Health Check?

Can the Health Check help if I feel exhausted after birth?

Can the Health Check cover mental and emotional wellbeing?

What happens if a result needs further investigation?

What if I want to discuss my results with a clinician?

What is the Hesta360?

Is the Hesta360 diagnostic?

Why can’t I just do the Hesta360 or a blood test on its own?

Is the postnatal consultation online or in person?

Can I choose my doctor?

What happens after my Hesta Health Check is completed?

Your recovery deserves expert care

Whether you're preparing for your fourth trimester, looking for reassurance after birth or ready to understand your health in more detail, Hesta is here to support you.

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Your Hesta postnatal health check is tailored to your goals and stage of postnatal recovery, from birth to two years.

It includes an assessment of: