[5 MIN READ]
In this article:
- The fourth trimester, or the first 12 weeks after childbirth, is a time of major emotional, physical and lifestyle changes for parents.
- Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation and identity changes are common challenges, but support and rest can make a big difference.
- Prioritizing self-care, accepting help and finding community support are key to navigating this transitional time with more confidence and compassion.
What to know about the fourth trimester
The first few months after birth can feel overwhelming. Your baby is transitioning from the womb to the outside world, and you’re healing and caring for a newborn.
This adjustment period is often called the fourth trimester because it’s a time of significant change for both you and your baby.
Learn from Providence experts about what to expect and how to cope with the ups and downs.
What is the fourth trimester?
The fourth trimester (or 4th trimester) refers to the first three months, or about 12 weeks, after your baby is born. This period is also known as the newborn stage.
From learning to breastfeed to establishing a sleep schedule to riding the rollercoaster of fluctuating hormones, the postpartum period is typically rife with challenges, especially for new mothers.
Hormonal highs and lows
After you give birth, your body is healing from delivery — particularly if you had a C-section — and working to return to its pre-pregnant state. That means your organs are shifting back to their former positions at the same time your breast milk is coming in and you’re not getting much sleep.
Your yo-yoing hormones in the weeks postpartum only add to the intense feelings you’re likely experiencing. Your estrogen and progesterone levels, which are produced by the placenta during pregnancy, are decreasing rapidly. Simultaneously, your prolactin (for milk production) and oxytocin (for uterine contractions) are increasing. Coupled with the physical changes, these hormonal changes can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including mood swings, fatigue, tears and irritability — and even the “baby blues” or postpartum depression in some cases.
While emotional changes, crying spells and feelings of anxiety are common in the first few days of the postnatal period, they typically go away on their own after a week or two. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that requires treatment.
Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent sadness, frequent periods of excessive crying or intense feelings of self-doubt. They can be warning signs that may require follow-up care during the postpartum recovery period.
Sleep (or lack of it)
In the first weeks after birth, your baby’s brain is rapidly developing. It’s learning to process new sensations like sights, sounds and smells. Your baby is also learning to interact and engage with the environment for the first time — through smiling, cooing, crying and showing more alertness.
While developing feeding and sleeping patterns is on the list of milestones your baby is working to reach, there’s definitely no set schedule yet. That’s why one of the biggest adjustments parents face after they have a baby is adjusting to major changes to their sleep habits — most notably, a lack of sleep.
Sleep deprivation can take an emotional toll, significantly impacting your overall well-being, increasing the risk of postpartum depression and contributing to feelings of overwhelm.
To maximize rest, even with short stretches, it’s important to prioritize sleep whenever your baby sleeps. If you have other children in addition to your baby, that can be harder, but that’s when asking for — and accepting — help is paramount.
Even just having a family member or friend come over to hold the baby for an hour so you can take a nap or short break goes a long way to helping you feel better.
Identify shifts
In addition to all the other changes going on during the fourth trimester, you can’t forget about how having a baby can impact your identity. Adjusting to life with a new baby — even if it’s your second, third or fourth — often leads to a period of shifting priorities, routines and how you see yourself.
Maybe you’re grieving the loss of your former self and previous life, or simply the loss of your independence. Remember that you’re still adapting, and focus on the positives — like that cute new baby — to help you embrace the changes in your life.
If you have a partner, talk to them about what you’re experiencing. As roles and responsibilities change, addressing feelings proactively will help you share the load, avoid resentment and get the support you need.
Tips for navigating the fourth trimester
As you’re getting used to life with your little one, here are some tips to help you thrive in your new normal:
- Take care of yourself. Although self-care may no longer be your top priority, you can’t neglect your health. That means getting rest and recovery when you can, letting go of household chores and making time for some light exercise, like walking.
- Accept help. Don’t hesitate to lean into offers of help from friends and family. Many of them have navigated the same life changes you are now. They’ve been there and want to help.
- Find support. Look for support groups for new parents or fitness classes designed so you can bring your baby. Making connections with other parents can help you feel less alone — and the postpartum period a little less daunting.
You’re not alone
Know that this period won’t last forever. Remember to ask for help and support when you need it — even before you need it — and understand that the fourth trimester is part of the journey.
It took you nine months to grow your baby. Expect it to take a few more to adjust to life after they’re born. Give yourself some grace.
Find a doctor
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are looking for an experienced, caring provider to help you navigate pregnancy and welcome your baby into the world, we can help. Providence offers maternity, prenatal care and obstetrics services. You can also search for an OB-GYN or midwife who’s right for you in our provider directory.
Download the Providence app
It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.
Related resources
Birth plans: What you can and can’t control
C-section recovery: What’s normal and what’s not
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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