4th Trimester - part 1
You’re Postpartum- now what??
So…. you’ve gone through (plus or minus) 40 weeks of pregnancy, and you have given birth to the most perfect little human you could ask for. You’ve gone through three trimesters and that is more than enough.
The hard part of pregnancy is over, right?
Well…
A newly described phase of Pregnancy related care is being called the Fourth Trimester, lasting from birth until approximately 12 weeks postpartum.
This is a critical time for mommas that is often swept aside – there’s too much to do with a new baby, your house, all the family/friends trying to come over, and maybe your spouse… And if we are being honest, there not enough time or energy to do it all.
Usually speaking, your baby will have their first pediatric visit within one week of birth and then every month for the first several months of life. Plus all the other things of your daily life.
But what about the mom?
She goes six to eight weeks before being seen. And as much as a new baby can grow and change in that time, the exact same thing can be said for momma. Baby is so closely monitored, but the same cannot be said for her which is a disservice during this wonderful, amazing, and very vulnerable time.
In this post (and the next), we will talk about what the fourth trimester means for new parents. (And how babies adjust in our next post!)
Some common changes that occur during the fourth trimester include:
Initial recovery from birth. This may include several weeks of postpartum bleeding, vaginal soreness, back pain, and other symptoms. During the first 6 weeks, your uterus is working itself back into its pre-pregnancy shape. If you had a C-section, you may have abdominal rules and restrictions that limit how much you can lift or bend.
Major hormonal changes that help you bond with your baby. There will also be changes in hormone levels from pregnancy back to “normal operating capacity.” This may lead to some “baby blues,” but should resolve within about 10 days to 2 weeks. It can also lead to night sweats, body odor and so much more.
If you are breastfeeding, you may experience engorgement, sore/cracked nipples or leakage. This is where a lactation consultant may help.
Swelling and a general feeling of discomfort in the “nether regions”.
Something else that goes along with the fourth trimester is the term “matrescence.” This is used to describe the psychological, physical, and social transition to motherhood. Whether you are a first time mother or you’re a seasoned veteran, there is always some sort of adjustment with bringing a new life into the world. The shock, the feeling of helplessness. It’s all there right with the fourth trimester.
So what can you do??
To help yourself stay well and balanced during this time, you can:
Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet.
Try to follow a set schedule (as much as possible) and rest when your baby does.
Ask for help! Ask family and friends for support with concrete tasks they can do, like meal prep or laundry.
Follow up with your midwife or doctor. They may have tips to help you better navigate this time – especially if you are having symptoms of postpartum depression or continued pain/discomfort.
The fourth trimester is a little known – but very common – phase of pregnancy and the motherhood journey. It is becoming more and more common to know and talk about it.
Being honest about where you’re at as a new (or veteran) mom can help make this phase just a little bit easier!
See you back soon for Part 2 of the 4th Trimester!
<3 The Recharged Performance Therapy Team
(321) 802-1620
Paige@RechargedPerformanceTherapy.com
Sources
https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/what-is-matrescence/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-fourth-trimester-what-you-should-know-2019071617314
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/4th-trimester
https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-the-fourth-trimester