Congratulations! You had a baby! All the planning and research and hard work is over, right? Not so fast….
Giving birth after nearly 10 months of (sometimes not-so-fun) waiting can surely feel like a finish line. But, as most new parents quickly learn, it’s only the beginning. The first 12 weeks following birth, also known as the fourth trimester, can hold some of the most challenging moments in parenting. Sure, you’re over the moon to welcome your little one into the world. But basically, everything about that world is different now.
Your relationships with friends, family and your partner will undergo change and might even feel a little strained. Your self-identity may falter. Your sleep will most certainly decrease in quantity and quality (and your eating and exercise habits may too). Plus, you have a brand-new little human to keep alive and happy—which can be blissful or brutal, depending on the day (or moment). That’s why planning for this time—the fourth trimester—is so important.
Physical health during the fourth trimester
Giving birth is an incredible feat—no matter how it happens. But that incredible feat can require some incredible healing. Whether you gave birth via C-section or vaginally, the weeks following labor and delivery can range from uncomfortable to downright painful. Touching base with a healthcare professional about your healing can help you feel confident you’re on the right track.
Most women will have a checkup with their obstetrician-gynecologist within six to eight weeks after giving birth. But scheduling a quick check-in before then can be beneficial to your healing and long-term health. Not recognizing or following up on signs of serious issues can lead to prolonged health issues or even death. Chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, thyroid or kidney disease can put you at higher risk for complications. Non-Hispanic Black women, specifically, are at much higher risk of dying of pregnancy-related issues than non-Hispanic white women. Don’t take symptoms lightly.
Check in anytime you have a question, but also be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these signs of infection and or other serious issues:
- Increased or bright-red bleeding
- Vaginal discharge or odor
- Sudden or severe headache, blurred vision or dizziness
- Swelling of the face or hands
- Unusual swelling or pain in the legs or feet
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
It’s not just birth-related healing, either. Breastfeeding can lead to pain or discomfort. Often, consulting with a lactation professional can help mitigate feeding issues that lead to common concerns. Your doctor or other healthcare professional can refer you to a lactation consultant.
Additionally, partners or those who became parents through adoption or surrogacy may notice their physical health taking a hit due to changes in eating habits, sleep patterns or stress. You don’t have to be the one who gave birth to deserve a check-in with your provider or therapist. The fourth trimester affects everyone involved!
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Emotional health during the fourth trimester
It’s normal for those who’ve given birth to notice emotional changes in the days following labor. But if you’re feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, or if feelings of depression or anxiety become extreme or last more than a couple weeks, this could signal that something more serious is going on. Notify your doctor.
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women and should be taken extremely seriously. Your provider or therapist can help you find strategies or medications that will keep you and your baby healthy. Don’t be ashamed or push your feelings aside. Your baby needs you to take care of yourself first so you can show up 100% for them.
Social health during the fourth trimester
Less talked about, but just as important, is social health in the first weeks of parenthood. While your priorities have shifted to care for your new infant, the rest of the world keeps turning. That can make it difficult to maintain relationships with friends, family and your partner.
Give yourself a break. Adding a baby to the mix is life-changing. Embrace the moment and reach out for help when you need it—from friends and family or from a professional. Embrace this moment in your life and surround yourself with people who are excited to see your family grow.
You hear it all the time—having a baby changes everything—and it does! The fourth trimester is your first challenge in parenting. Lean on those around you for help and reach out for expert support you need it. Enjoy the first beautiful moments you spent 10 months dreaming about.
Published August 12, 2024
SOURCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2021/maternal-mortality-rates-2021.htm#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20maternal%20mortality,(Figure%201%20and%20Table)
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/1015/p485.html#postpartum-health-issues-and-patient-concerns
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/3-conditions-to-watch-for-after-childbirth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/#:~:text=Around%20one%20in%20seven%20women,her%20relationship%20with%20the%20infant.
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