5 Things Moms Should Expect in the Fourth Trimester
What to Expect in the "Fourth Trimester"
The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after childbirth. While pregnancy gets plenty of attention, this postpartum period is filled with significant physical, hormonal and emotional changes that affect both parents and babies.
Research continues to show that the fourth trimester plays a critical role in a parent's recovery, mental health, and ability to care for their growing family. Recovery doesn't end after delivery. The weeks following birth are a crucial part of the parenting journey. Keep reading to learn what to expect.
1. Mom+Baby Combined Care
A major challenge many first-time parents face is juggling frequent medical visits during the first year of life. Between pediatric appointments, feeding schedules, and caring for older children, many parents struggle to prioritize their own health needs.
Cone Health's Mom+Baby Combined Care program offers participating birthing parents and their babies health care services at the same visit. Parents no longer have to split their care between an OB, a primary care provider and a pediatrician. Instead, both the birthing parent and the baby will be seen by the same physician who is trained in both family medicine and high-risk obstetrics.
This specialized program has many benefits including:
- Seeing the same provider throughout pregnancy as well as during the first five years of your child's life
- More frequent postpartum visits than received in a traditional OB setting
- Personalized care for emotional and mental health needs
- Help navigating insurance challenges, transportation barriers, food insecurity, and safety and social support needs
Rather than treating each issue separately, providers take a comprehensive approach to family wellness. Healthy families need more than medical care, they need support for life's everyday challenges.
2. Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a skill that both parent and baby learn together. Some families find it comes naturally, while others need additional support. The Mom+Baby Combined Care program not only builds breastfeeding support into the care team, but insurance or Medicaid often covers lactation consultations as part of the care visit at no additional cost.
One important piece of advice: Take it one day--and one feeding--at a time. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and support is available when needed.
3. Physical Changes After Birth
Every postpartum recovery looks different, but some common experiences include:
- Rebuilding strength and balance after pregnancy
- Physical healing after vaginal delivery or cesarean birth
- Hormonal shifts
- Postpartum bleeding
- Fatigue and adjustment to a changing body
Some parents may also benefit from physical therapy to help rebuild strength and address lingering discomfort after birth. While many postpartum symptoms are normal, some require immediate attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- A severe headache that doesn't improve with rest, hydration, food or medication
- High blood pressure readings
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Heavy bleeding, especially soaking through a pad every hour
- Any symptom that feels concerning or unusual
These signs could indicate serious complications, including postpartum preeclampsia. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, reach out for medical guidance.
4. Emotional Changes After Birth
The postpartum period often brings emotional highs and lows. Many new parents experience:
- Mood swings
- Tearfulness
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Anxiety
- Intense joy followed by emotional exhaustion
These changes are often related to hormonal shifts and can be common during the first two weeks after delivery.
However, if symptoms continue beyond two weeks or begin interfering with daily life, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider. Postpartum anxiety and depression are more common than many people realize, affecting up to 30% of postpartum parents.
One challenge is that parents may not always recognize changes in themselves. Often, friends, partners, family members or coworkers notice changes first.
If loved ones express concern about your well-being, consider it an opportunity to have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Community Support
Asking for support doesn't have to be complicated. Some of the most meaningful ways the people in your life can help include:
- Bringing meals
- Helping with laundry or household chores
- Assisting with older siblings
- Running errands
- Respecting the parents' wishes and boundaries
- Providing emotional support without judgment
You can also find community through support groups for new parents and babies at the Cone Health Women's & Children's Centers. Whether you want to connect with other new parents or desire support for breastfeeding, emotional or physical fitness, you have access to a range of resources to fit your needs and schedule.
Kristen's Story
Watch the full WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Kimberly Newton, MD, with Cone Health Center for Women’s Healthcare below.
Join the Program
If you’re in the Greensboro area and pregnant with your first child, you’re eligible to participate in the Mom+Baby Combined Care program! Your care with us will begin during pregnancy and will extend until your child turns 5. It will include ongoing primary care for both you and your child, and you will be seen by the same provider.
