This post was written by Erin Norton, director of community outreach, Parkview Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
The birth of a baby is an eventful time. Mom is coping with hormonal changes and sleep disruptions, baby is adjusting to life outside of the womb, and the whole family is adjusting to a new member. While it is a joyous occasion, it is also a time of rapid change for the family’s health, relationships and even finances.
The term “fourth trimester” is now being used to describe the demanding three months after delivery, which are characterized by recovery and adjustment. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calls these weeks, “A critical period for a woman and her infant, setting the stage for long-term health and well-being.” Unfortunately, many new mothers don’t attend their postpartum visit. After delivery, women can become so focused on caring for their baby that they set their own needs aside. In order to best care for their families, women need to make sure they are healthy themselves – and this can start with engaging with their provider during this crucial time period.
Pregnancy places demands on a woman’s body and can be thought of as a kind of “stress test”. Complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension, may illuminate issues that predispose women to risks later in life. The fourth trimester is a time to connect with care providers and talk about how these issues may impact your health in the future.
Postpartum care should be individualized and woman-centered. Because it is based on a woman’s unique needs, the care for one woman might not look exactly the same as her sister’s or her friend’s, although there will be similarities.
If you’re a new mom, here’s what you should expect to discuss as part of your postpartum care:
- Screening for postpartum depression and anxiety, tobacco and substance use, with referrals to resources and support, if needed
- How life is going with baby, including breastfeeding, making sure you have the resources you need, and making sure you have a medical home for baby
- Your reproductive life plan, spacing recommendations for future pregnancies, and contraception/family planning methods
- If a future pregnancy is desired, you may review recommendations to reduce risks
- Dealing with fatigue
- Your physical recovery from childbirth
- Resuming activities, such as exercise and intercourse
- Recommendations for a healthy weight
- Any pregnancy complications you experienced and how they may impact your future health or future pregnancies; additional testing may be needed
- Medication review
- Your plan to follow-up with a primary care and any other care providers
- Immunizations
- Well-woman screening, which may include a Pap test and pelvic exam
It is important for women to be proactive in maintaining their health after delivery. Connecting with their care providers during this critical time is the first step. The fourth trimester is full of change and can be exhausting, but making mom’s health a priority is essential.
