When you're pregnant, there are many ways you may be keeping track of time.
You may have an app that tells you how big your baby is based on the size of different fruits and veggies. You may take photos every week of how big your belly is. And — of course — you're probably keeping track of what trimester you’re in, too.
A lot of attention is paid to these 40 weeks before your baby arrives, but it is only in recent years that new parents are taking into account the time after their baby is born: The Fourth Trimester.
The fourth trimester refers to the 12 weeks after your baby is born. With awareness of the fourth trimester increasing, many providers, hospitals, and medical associations are rethinking what postpartum care should look like — for both babies and mothers.
Whether you're just about to give birth or you finally have done so, here are 4 things to keep in mind about the fourth trimester.
1. Recovering From Giving Birth Takes Time
During the fourth trimester, it's important to remember that your body has just gone through a significant event, and it's going to need some time to recover. This is true whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section, and it's true whether you had an easy labor or a hard one.
Some normal symptoms you may experience during the fourth trimester include:
- Soreness: Can be around your perineum, any stitches or incision sites, or in your breasts or nipples
- Cramping: Occurs in the first 1 to 2 weeks as your uterus shrinks
- Bleeding: Can last up to 6 weeks as your body gets rid of blood and tissue
- Constipation and hemorrhoids: Very common postpartum
While many symptoms after giving birth are totally normal — many are not.
"After giving birth, many new moms are so focused on the health of their baby that they forget to monitor their own health as well," says Childbirth Education Program Coordinator Amy Latyak, BSN, RN, CCE, CBC. "In the same way that you’re keeping an eye on your new baby, you need to keep an eye on yourself, too."
Some symptoms that are a bigger cause for concern are:
- Bleeding through one or more pads per hour or passing large clots
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Extreme pain (in general or in lower abdomen or upper right area of your belly specifically)
- Painful, warm, red area on your breast, flu-like symptoms (can be signs of mastitis)
- Frequent urination, burning or pain during urination, pain in your side or back (can be signs of a bladder/kidney infection or UTI)
- Painful headache that doesn't go away and/or any visual changes
- Incision that is not healing, increased pain, redness, or any pus
- Red or swollen leg that is painful or feels warm when touched
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
2. Listen to Your Feelings
In addition to paying attention to your body throughout the fourth trimester, be sure to keep your emotions in mind, too. While the birth of a baby is an exciting time, many new mothers also may experience perinatal mood disorders, like anxiety or depression.
In fact, 15% of new moms experience depression following childbirth. And 10% experience generalized anxiety.
"While many women experience symptoms of perinatal mood disorders like postpartum depression — and know something isn’t quite right — they often don’t seek care or treatment," explains Amy. "You don't need to suffer in silence, and you don’t have to feel ashamed of not being 100% okay."
With perinatal mood disorders, treatment might include one-to-one counseling, support groups, or medication. By talking to your provider about what you’re going through, they can help you get the treatment and support you need.
3. Breastfeeding Experiences Are Different for Everyone
No two babies are exactly alike. And no two pregnancies, birth experiences or fourth trimesters are alike either. While you may be able to look at your baby and remember they’re one of a kind, you might forget that your journey is your own when it comes to breastfeeding.
An incredibly personal part of the fourth trimester, if you choose and are able to do so, is breastfeeding. While a very personal experience, it can also be challenging or overwhelming at times.
Some common issues you might face while breastfeeding include:
- Sore nipples
- Low milk supply
- Frustration
- Latching issues
- Lack of maternity leave or supportive work policies
These issues are common, but they will impact you and your baby uniquely. Try not to compare yourself to other moms — everyone is just doing their best.
Finding support and guidance can be one way to bring you more comfort and confidence in your breastfeeding journey.
"At Chester County Hospital, we're here to help you and your baby breastfeed however we can," says Amy. "Our support starts even before your baby gets here, as you can take a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class while still pregnant. We also provide Lactation Counseling and host Breastfeeding Support Groups with other new moms."
4. It's Okay — Important Even! — to Ask for Help
Giving birth is hard. Raising a child is hard. Being a new parent is hard. Pretending that it isn't hard doesn’t help anyone, and it's okay for you to say you're having a difficult time. You can be excited about your new baby while also feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
In moments like these, asking for help isn't just a good idea for your self-care — it's good for your baby's health, too. Having meaningful social support can actually improve outcomes for breastfeeding, risk of perinatal mood disorders, and make your fourth trimester more enjoyable and less stressful.
If you’re not sure how to ask for help, try:
- Inviting a trusted loved one to spend time with your baby while you take a nap
- Asking a family member to bring over a meal — or even just a tasty snack
- Looking for support groups at Chester County Hospital or new mom groups in your community
- Calling a friend on the phone to talk or catch up
If you've heard it once, you've probably heard it a thousand times — and it's worth repeating. Asking for help is a key part of the fourth trimester.
While the fourth trimester can be filled with new challenges, it’s also an exciting time for you and your family — and Chester County Hospital is here to welcome your new baby into our family, too.
Chester County Hospital supports new parents through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Learn more about the Parent Wellness Network and other Childbirth Education Programs at Chester County Hospital.