Self-Care in the Fourth Trimester
Dr. Alison Blevins
We generally think of pregnancy as three trimesters. However, did you know there is a fourth trimester? Many times, after delivery, the focus of care transitions from frequent maternal appointments to frequent pediatric visits for your newborn. But we do not want you to forget to take care of yourself, too!
The fourth trimester encompasses the immediate postpartum period up to 12 weeks after delivery. Currently, as many as 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit. The goals of postpartum care include discussions regarding reproductive health and future fertility plans, physical recovery, mental health, and infant care and feeding.
Physical RecoveryWhether recovering from a cesarean section or vaginal delivery, our bodies are put through quite a bit of stress carrying an infant for 9 months and then delivering them! At your postpartum exam, we will ensure that your physical recovery is going as expected. We will also cover the prevention of conditions related to pelvic floor relaxation.
Pelvic floor relaxation and weakening occurs, and doesn’t necessarily bounce back on its own with time. Pelvic floor physical therapy exercises or just a consultation can be very beneficial to prevent long term urinary or stool incontinence. There are actually great websites, YouTube Channels, and Instagram accounts that demonstrate several pelvic floor strengthening exercises you can do on your own.
Mental Health
Baby blues is a common condition within the first 14 days after delivery. However, many women continue to experience difficulty with anxiety or depression after those two weeks. One study found that approximately 1 in 7 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression in the first year after birth.
In addition to visits in our office, there are many resources out there for counseling and support. For instance, Advent Health provides postpartum support groups.
Call 913-632-4223 for more information.
Family Planning
Did you know that women are advised to avoid interpregnancy intervals shorter than 6 months? There are risks associated with intervals less than this such as preterm delivery and placental abnormalities. Contraceptive discussions should ideally begin prior to delivery and you should have a plan in place when you are ready to have sex after your postpartum recovery. It is important for your health to prevent another
pregnancy until your body is ready.
Take Home Point
Your self-care doesn’t stop after delivery. We want you to put as much effort into your recovery after delivery as you did into your health before and during pregnancy!
Please remember to call soon after delivery to schedule your routine postpartum visit with us, and reach out if you have postpartum concerns after this visit.
913-491-4020