Health care providers call the fourth trimester the first 3 months after your baby is born. During this postnatal period, parents and their babies are busy adjusting to life after birth. Recovering from giving birth, finding time to sleep and caring for other family members can take a toll.
“The 12 weeks following delivery are critical for mom and baby to bond and adjust to their new normal. It can be overwhelming, but it’s also important for us to assess a mother’s physical and emotional well-being and ensure she is healthy as she cares for her new little one,” says Jerrid Neeley, D.O., an OB/GYN with Riverside Partner’s in Women's Health.
Understanding the 4th trimester
During the fourth trimester, you are recovering from delivery, and your baby is getting used to the world outside the womb. It is normal for your baby to cry and want to be held most of the time. Lack of sleep and free time can have you at your wit’s end. But there is hope. Your health care providers are here to help you through it.
Your postnatal well-check is beneficial for mom and baby
Your health care provider’s first priority is to monitor your well-being. During this time, you and your baby will both have postnatal well-checks. With all the new challenges of motherhood, it can be tempting to miss your postpartum visit — approximately 40% of new moms skip this appointment. But it’s an important time for your doctor to understand how you’re doing when you are at home.
Some of the topics they will ask about include:
- Recovering from delivery
- Baby’s growth and development
- Breast-feeding
- Emotional wellness
- Sleep
- Eating
- Activity
- Family planning
- Chronic disease management
“During the 4th trimester, we want to ensure mom is recovering and feeling good. We have resources for the challenges that come with having a baby. When we know what is going on, we can provide the best care and help mom with the support she needs,” says Dr. Neeley.
Get support during the 4th trimester
Talk to your health care provider about support during the fourth trimester. From breastfeeding to support groups, C-section recovery, babywearing and more – your health care provider can help you create a fourth-trimester wellness plan and connect you with the resources and support you need to stay well.
New moms can do several things to cope with the challenges of the 4th trimester. One of the most helpful strategies is to have a partner, friend or family member help with the baby so you can do some tasks alone, like taking a shower, a nap or going to the grocery store. You can also take care of your physical and mental health with these tips:
- Sleep when the baby sleeps
- Talk to other mothers about how you’re feeling
- Stay active, take your baby on walks
- Eat regular meals and drink lots of water
Reach out for 4th trimester support today
Don’t wait to get help during the 4th trimester. Talk to your health care provider about what you are feeling so you and your baby can stay well. Call to make an appointment today.
