What Is The Fourth Trimester?

Everyone knows the three trimesters of pregnancy, but have you heard of the fourth trimester? At first, the idea may sound strange since pregnancy typically does not last long enough past 40 weeks gestation to be considered a new trimester. However, the fourth trimester is a different approach to infant and postpartum care. Rather than focusing directly on the health of the baby and new parent during gestation, the fourth trimester revolves around 12 weeks after birth.

The importance of the fourth trimester is primarily how the baby and birthing parent adjust to life after pregnancy and birth. For the baby, the outside environment is recommended to mimic the womb environment. Meanwhile, for the birthing person, it is crucial not to overlook physical, psychological, and emotional well-being in the fourth trimester. To accomplish this, families with new babies need to understand how the fourth trimester pertains explicitly to both the baby and the new parent.

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A brief overview of the fourth trimester

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During the fourth trimester, the baby learns to transition from one environment to another and maintain a sense of security. This transition is challenging for new parents to support, but there are several things that parents can do. Swaddling or swaying babies provides feelings of safety since the baby spent the gestation period in a confined space. Skin-to-skin contact provides familiarity with smell and hearing the new parent's heartbeat. Being fed without restrictive schedules tells the baby that hunger is not a concern.

Birthing persons usually have a follow-up appointment with their primary care physician six to eight weeks after delivery. These follow-ups are designed to evaluate whether the birthing parent is having difficulty coping or adjusting to caring for a newborn and surviving the hardships of postpartum healing. The most effective way to get through the fourth trimester healthy and well is to know what to expect during this vulnerable time.

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What to expect

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New parents should first evaluate the changes their baby will experience. In addition to transitioning to a new environment, the baby will undergo many physical changes. Babies will go through growth spurts and require frequent feeding day and night. Their stomachs adjusting to breastmilk or formula can cause increased incidents of spitting up or puking. Newborns will communicate using gestures, facial expressions, and crying to indicate their needs. They are also susceptible to pain and touch, and diet sensitivities can appear early.

Birthing parents also experienced substantial changes, including weeks of bleeding and healing, loose skin, retained weight, and hormonal surges. This is attached to the fact that caring for an infant can increase psychological stress, feelings of social isolation, and postpartum blues. Additionally, there will be physical and mental exhaustion from sleep deprivation caused by infants needing round-the-clock care. Some women may experience postpartum complications or side effects. These experiences include urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, hair loss, painful intercourse, and postpartum thyroiditis. To help prepare yourself for what to expect, review the following tips below.

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Helping your baby adjust

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Swaddling and swaying

Your baby spent nine months in a confined space. You can help recreate the sense of safety and comfort by swaddling them when they sleep or wearing them in a sling when awake. Babywearing is one way to reap the therapeutic benefits of "skin-to-skin care" or "kangaroo care."

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Skin-to-skin contact

Research shows that skin-to-skin contact between parent and baby has long-term benefits. The hormone oxytocin, induced by skin-to-skin contact, may be a factor that helps the parent-infant relationship. Skin-to-skin contact is important in the hour after birth and also ongoing as your baby adjusts to the world. 

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Feeding

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, your baby is learning to eat. Many experts suggest feeding on demand as opposed to feeding on a schedule. Studies indicate that babies fed on a schedule have poorer cognitive and academic outcomes later in life. However, feeding on a schedule is correlated with better maternal well-being. Combine feeding your baby with skin-to-skin contact to reinforce close contact and comfort.

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Tips for new parents

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Although many people emphasize the care, development, and health of babies during the fourth trimester, do not forget the health and well-being of the birthing person and family are just as important! According to Harvard Health Publishing, care during the postpartum period is crucial considering the psychological, social, and emotional changes a birthing person and their family experiences.

Birthing persons should be aware of the symptoms of these postpartum health concerns:

• Postpartum hemorrhage: sudden and profuse blood loss or persistent increased blood loss, faintness, dizziness, heart palpitations
• Postpartum preeclampsia: headaches accompanied by one or more of the symptoms of visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen, feeling faint, convulsions (in the first few days after birth)
• Infection: fever, shivering, abdominal pain, and/or offensive vaginal loss
• Thromboembolism: calf pain, redness or swelling of calves, shortness of breath, or chest pain

More professionals are acknowledging that pregnancy goals should extend past healthy pregnancy, baby, and birth to include a healthy new parent throughout the postpartum period. Until postpartum care has follow-up appointments sooner than six weeks after birth, you or your birthing partner should:

• Psychosocial support to prevent postpartum depression
• Request help with household responsibilities like cooking and cleaning so new parents can rest
• Take gentle exercise to improve mood, maintain cardiorespiratory fitness, and promote weight control
• Eat nutrient-dense foods and supplement with iron and folic acid
• For those with a third or fourth-degree perineal tear from vaginal birth or those with a cesarean section, consider prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection
• Rotate sleep schedules or find assistance to minimize sleep deprivation
• Request a sooner follow-up appointment or speak to the gynecologist's office if concerns arise
• Look into breastfeeding tips and techniques or alternatives

It is okay for birthing persons and new families to need help. What is important is knowing the medical professionals you can trust to help guide you during pregnancy. 

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Start your pregnancy journey with Anja Health

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At Anja Health, we know that elements of the fourth trimester set a clear distinction of health care requirements, although being a part of pregnancy. As new parents, you must understand that medical conditions could develop for your new baby and the birthing person during and after the fourth trimester. These conditions may need treatment; some treatments, such as cerebral palsy, can require umbilical cord blood.

Unfortunately, many people cannot receive their needed treatments because their cord blood is not banked, and no stem cell matches are available. Being aware of the benefits of cord blood banking early in pregnancy or before birth can make a difference in the well-being of your new family.

Chat with the team at Anja Health to understand how saving your umbilical cord and/or placenta can future-proof your family's health.