The fourth trimester: What you should know

Here's help making a support plan for after your baby’s birth.

Once you got your positive pregnancy test, you probably started going to your doctor pretty often. Chances are, you had many prenatal appointments.

That kind of constant care can be nice. It feels like everyone is focused on you and your baby's health. But after you give birth, what's next? For many women, the fourth trimester can be hard. The fourth trimester is a name given to the first 12 weeks after a baby’s birth. And it's something we don't talk about nearly enough.

What happens during the fourth trimester?

After birth, most of the attention that you used to get starts going to your baby. This might make you feel like you're being left behind. Usually, babies have their first well-child visit one week after birth, with many more appointments to follow.

And for you? Usually your first postpartum visit happens four to six weeks after childbirth. For some moms, that might be fine. But giving birth isn't easy. Many moms would be happier and healthier with better postpartum support. That’s why some experts are starting to recommend:

• Talking to your obstetric team around three weeks after you give birth, with follow-up care if any is needed.
• Scheduling a full postpartum exam by the end of the first 12 weeks.

It’s good to remember that Medicaid coverage for new mothers lasts a full year after giving birth.

Make a support plan for your fourth trimester

You deserve a support plan to make sure you are getting the care you need during the fourth trimester. A good time to do this is while you're still pregnant. But even if you already gave birth, it's not too late.

Start by contacting your obstetric team. Even if you don't have a follow-up appointment for another few weeks, you can still call or email your doctor to ask for help.

Here are some things to ask:

• Do my medications need to be changed after I give birth?
• What warning signs should I look for so I can stay healthy?
• When can I schedule my first postpartum check-up?
• Who sees me during that visit?
• What resources are there for healthcare or emotional support?
• What are my options for birth control?

You can also make a postpartum support plan for yourself, using resources such as this Postpartum Plan (PDF) from DONA International. A plan can help you get the types of support you need before you're in the early weeks after childbirth, when you may be extra tired.

Pregnancy offers a window into your future health, such as whether you might be more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Ask your providers to help you make a longer-term health care plan. This  makes sure you are healthy and happy for your new little one.