The fourth trimester is one that is not often talked about but it is something that every parent and their newborn will experience. This fourth trimester is considered to be the first 12 weeks after giving birth and is just as important as the other trimesters for a mother’s health. Although these 12 weeks are just as important as the others, it is often the time when mothers have the least interaction with their healthcare team 1.
Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Changes During the Fourth Trimester
Physical Changes:
- Weight and Body Changes: It will take some time to get your body back to its “normal” state after growing and carrying a baby for 9 months. Most people will gain around 25-35 pounds during pregnancy and lose around 13 pounds after birth.
- Tiredness: You may have lost blood during your labour and birth which can make your body very tired. After the birth, you may also be awake throughout the night to soothe or feed the baby.
- Pelvic Floor Recovery: The pelvic floor muscles may be weakened or damaged during childbirth, and will take time to recover
- Skin Changes: After birth, you may experience stretch marks on your belly or other places where your skin was stretched during pregnancy. You may also experience dry skin and/or breakouts as your hormone levels are resetting.
- Hair Loss: After birth, your hair may begin to thin out and you may even lose some hair, but you should regain its fullness within a year. These changes are due to your hormone levels returning back to normal.
- Getting Your Period Again: If you are not breastfeeding you may get your period again 6-8 weeks after birth, but if you are breastfeeding it may take longer. When your period does return it will likely not be the same as it was before, it may be shorter or longer.
- Vaginal Discharge: Your body will get rid of the blood and tissue that was inside your uterus after you give birth. For the first few days, it may be heavy, red, and contain clots but over time the flow gets less and lighter in colour. This discharge can last for a few weeks after 2.
- Breast Engorgement/Nipple Pain: Your breasts can swell as they fill up with milk which can lead to them feeling sore and tender. Once you start breastfeeding the discomfort will usually subside, but nipple pain can occur.
Emotional & Physiological Changes
- Baby Blues: Around 80% of new mothers will experience baby blues which are characterized by mood swings, feelings of sadness, anxiety, and restlessness after having their baby. Most people will feel it after 2-3 days of giving birth and it will can last up to 2 weeks.
- Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: If your baby blues last for longer than 2 weeks you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), which is more severe and long-lasting. PPD is strong feelings of anxiety, sadness, shame, guilt, having little interest in things, feeling tired all the time, trouble bonding, and more. These feelings can make it difficult to take care of yourself and your baby.
- Stress and Change: The demands of caring for a newborn combined with the physical and emotional recovery, can often lead to increased stress levels.
- Relationship Dynamics: The dynamics of your relationship with your partner may shift after birth as you are both getting used to having a baby around and having different responsibilities. You may also experience shifts in other relationships you have as you get used to the adjustments of your new addition.
The Importance of Postpartum Care
Comprehensive care during the fourth trimester is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and baby due to the significant physical, emotional & psychological changes that can occur. This period should be an ongoing process for new parents that includes tailored services to help support each mother’s individual needs.
After childbirth, a mother’s body undergoes substantial changes and healing, and proper care ensures that any sort of complications are addressed. Equally important is the support for mental health as many new mothers will experience overwhelming emotions during this time. By getting regular check-ups, having access to therapy and other resources, comprehensive care can help new mothers navigate the challenges that they face while also promoting a strong bond with their child. The care also helps to support the baby’s development by ensuring that they are receiving the proper nutrition, health monitoring, and a secure attachment with their parents. By addressing comprehensive care during the fourth trimester it helps to create and ensure a health, more positive start for both the mother and baby.
Postpartum Support Services
Postpartum Doulas can provide specific care in the postpartum period after the baby is born supporting the newborn parent and newborn baby in self-care, new born essentials and education, light housekeeping and meal preparation.
Lactation Consultants can help to provide guidance and support for breastfeeding families. They can help to address many different breastfeeding difficulties such as latching problems,, nipple pain, supply concerns, and more. They do this through offering personalized guidance to ensure a successful and positive breastfeeding experience. Their goal it to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence needed for a smooth and satisfying feeding journey.
Postpartum massage therapy can help aid in the physical recovery process after birth by relieving muscle tension, reduce swelling, and promoting relaxation. It can help the body heal from the strains of pregnancy and childbirth. Massage therapy can also provide emotional benefits to new mothers, helping to reduce anxiety, baby blues, and postpartum depression by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins.
Pelvic health physiotherapy during the fourth trimester can help to focus on restoring strength, function, and comfort in the pelvic region after childbirth. This type of care can help new mothers address issues like pelvic pain, pelvic damage, incontinence, promoting a smoother recovery. After birth, pelvic health physiotherapy can help you return to activity with a safe plan based on your birth experience.
Counselling helps to provide a safe space for new mothers to process their experiences, emotions, and any mental health challenges that they may be facing after they give birth such as postpartum depression. Counselling can also help new mothers to navigate the shifts in identity and relationship dynamics or the transition into parenthood.
At Spring Perinatal & Children Wellness, we offer a comprehensive care network that helps to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of postpartum recovery. We help to make mothers feel supported, empowered, and capable during one of the most transformative times of their lives. For more information on Spring call 780-800-7108 or visit our website.
References
[1] https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/mothers-guide-fourth-trimester
[4] https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/your-body-after-baby-first-6-weeks
[5] https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/our-labour-doula-team.html
