You’re likely familiar with the first, second and third trimesters—but did you know there’s a fourth? And it’s just as important for baby’s development and your health as the first three.
You made it through pregnancy—all three trimesters—and labor and birth. Now you and your baby are in the fourth trimester, a phrase used to describe the first three months after your baby is born.
Life Changes During the Fourth Trimester
Some experts believe the fourth trimester should include the entire first year after baby is born, and for good reason. The fourth trimester is remarkable in so many ways. It is a time of life-changing transformations for you and your family, some of which come easily and some of which are hard-fought adjustments. The fourth trimester includes physical, emotional, and mental transitions.
Don’t underestimate the power of these transitions. Plan for all the support you can arrange from family and friends, in the ways that will work best for you, during this critical period. Learn what the normal physical and emotional changes are and signs of problems requiring your provider’s attention. Trust your instincts and call your provider if you feel something’s just not right with your physical or emotional wellbeing.
Personal Superpower in the Fourth Trimester
During pregnancy, as you plan for the fourth trimester, identify your personal superpower(s). A superpower is a strength you have that you can access when you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of a boost during the fourth trimester. Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your patience, or your determination. Maybe it’s your ability to plan ahead in practical ways. One mom shared this about how she got through the fourth trimester.
The Sisterhood
“I had a good friend who had her first baby and was so lonely during the first months. She really felt isolated which led to her feeling down in the dumps. When I became pregnant with my first a year later, I wanted to ensure I would not get lonely. I am an extrovert and love being around people—they give me energy. I decided to call on several of my very good friends to ask them to be my sounding board and support system after the birth of my daughter. They all agreed, of course, and that gave me a chance to catch up with at least one adult each day and talk about my day and how it went. In turn, my friends kept me in the loop about their lives and organized meals for me for three whole weeks, so I did not need to cook. I would say that my willingness to call on The Sisterhood was my superpower.”
Normal Fourth Trimester Transitions
- Post-birth bleeding may last 4-6 weeks and should lighten each day after the first few days
- Swelling in your legs due to IV fluids decreases after early days
- Your vaginal area or cesarean incision begin healing and lasts several weeks, you should experience a steady decrease in pain and discomfort.
- Emotional shifts of tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed should peak in the first week and improve by week two.
POST-BIRTH Warning Signs In the Fourth Trimester
Call 911 if you have:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
Contact your pregnancy care provider if you have:
- Bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour or blood cloths the size of an egg or larger
- Cesarean or vaginal incision that is not healing
- A red or swollen leg that is painful or warm to touch
- Temperature of 100.4°F or higher or 96.8°F or lower
- A severe headache that doesn’t go away or get better, even after taking medicine; or if you have a bad headache with vision changes
Each time you visit a health care provider for the first year after having your baby, tell them when you gave birth and let them know of any warning signs you’re having, even if it’s just one.
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