What Happens in the 4th Trimester?

Just when you thought you’d reached the finish line of pregnancy, you discover there’s one more “trimester” to get through.

The 4th trimester is the postpartum period from birth until your baby is 3 months old Dr Harvey Karp, a pediatrician who theorized that human babies are born around 3 months too early, is believed to have coined the term “the 4th trimester”. This time accounts for the major changes your little one goes through in a short time. The 4th trimester is a period of significant physical, mental, and emotional development in your baby.

This is also a major time of change for new mums too, as your body readjusts to no longer being pregnant, you are learning how to care for a new baby, and navigating the major life changes that come along with it These sleep deprived; emotionally tumultuous early days can seem quite overwhelming

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Understanding this time and what to expect can help you to be more prepared. It is a good idea to gather your “village” before baby is born. This could include leaning on your friends and family, getting to know other parents who live near you, or outside resources like a postpartum doula

Between trying to feed, bathe, soothe and bond with your new baby, it’s important to remember that you are only one person. Lean on your village for support in providing all the love and care YOU and your baby needs. So often, after the baby is born, the mum gets forgotten, and the baby takes her place as the priority with friends and family We must remember that mums need support just as much, if not more, than anyone else especially during the 4th trimester.