• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

  • Services
    • Gynecology
    • Obstetrics
    • Surgical Services
    • In-Office Procedures
  • Our Practice
    • Our Values
    • Physicians & Staff
    • Testimonials
    • Our Babies
    • Office Gallery
  • Learn
    • Knowledge Center
    • Press Room
  • Blog
  • Forms
    • Patient Forms
    • Referral Forms
  • Contact
  • Patient Portal
Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / The Fourth Trimester: What Is It & How Do I Get Through It?

The Fourth Trimester: What Is It & How Do I Get Through It?

March 18, 2019 By All About Women Editor

Mom and baby in fourth trimester

Every new mom and baby experience the fourth trimester, but it’s not often talked about. In fact, even as an expectant mother, you may not be familiar with it, even if you’ve already brought baby home.

The term “fourth trimester” is often used to describe the postpartum phase from the birth of your baby until they are three months old.

The mental and emotional challenges of the fourth trimester

There are so many different elements at play that those first three months can be overwhelming, exhausting and may even leave you wishing you didn’t have a newborn to care for at all.

First, there are several changes happening with your own body: hormones are bouncing off the walls, you can’t sneeze without peeing, and you’re so sleep deprived you could cry… or maybe you just want to cry for no reason at all.

One of the best things you can do is make sure you’re not neglecting yourself. Yes, that’s hard to do when you’re taking care of a new baby, but it’s too important not to try.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a very real problem among many new moms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 80 percent of women struggle with “baby blues” and at least 15 percent struggle with PPD.

If your mood and anxiety are interfering with your daily life and taking care of your family, seek help from your doctor or a therapist.

Caring for mom (and baby) post pregnancy

In addition to mental health, you have to take care of your physical health. If you need physical therapy to help with incontinence issues, your pelvic floor or diastasis recti (a separation of your abdominal muscles), take the time to do that. If you’re dealing with any pain after birth from breastfeeding or stitches or other vaginal issues, these also need to be addressed immediately.

As for your newborn, they’re also trying to adjust in many different ways to this big, new world. Here are some helpful tips to keep them calm and happy during their first three months of life:

  • Swaddle them often (especially during sleep) and babywear.
  • Make loud shushing noises and don’t keep things too quiet — it’s not quiet in the womb!
  • Focus on feeding them and helping them sleeping. Both of you will be happier.

If you have concerns about your own mental and physical health, or the health of your newborn, don’t hesitate to contact your OB/GYN or pediatrician. Our compassionate staff knows it can be a big time of adjustment and we’re here to help.

Also, don’t forget to give yourself grace as you navigate being a mom to a new baby.

Do you live in Northern Florida and need an experienced OB/GYN? Contact All About Women to schedule an appointment.

Other Articles You Might Like

  • Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Perimenopause
    Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Perimenopause
  • October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Help Spread the Word
    October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Help Spread the…
  • Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
    Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Tagged With: baby care, newborn, post pregnancy, postpartum depression

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Awareness Campaigns
  • Community
  • Infertility Treatments
  • Medical News
  • Our Practice
  • Patient Stories
  • Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
  • Research & New Techniques
  • Surgical Care & Procedures
  • Women's Health Awareness

Women’s Health

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Perimenopause

Study Shows Women With Fibroids Turn to Emergency Care

More Posts from this Category

Pregnancy

Top Baby Boy & Girl Names for 2021

Why is Folic Acid Recommended for Pregnancy?

More Posts from this Category

Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

Copyright © All About Women Online Medical Marketing Services and Search Engine Friendly Web Design by SEO Advantage, Inc. Site info


Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

FL OBGYN   Services
All About Women
Gainesville and Lake City, Florida Obstetrics & Gynecology

Offices conveniently located in the heart of North Florida (Alachua County & Columbia County). Serving women of all ages and backgrounds
in and around Ocala, Williston, Chiefland, Perry, Live Oak, Lake City, Starke, Palatka and Gainesville.