Appointments During the Fourth Trimester of Pregnancy
Hey there, and welcome back! We are so pleased to see you again! Alright, you’ve done it, you’ve had your baby, and we are so excited for you! Whether it be your first child or your fifth, congratulations on the newest addition to your family. Giving birth can bring on so many new changes, mentally, physically, and emotionally. We know that it isn’t uncommon for the attention and care to shift over to the baby, but we are here to remind you that your health is just as important. This week, we will only be going over mom’s postpartum appointments and the overall postpartum journey.
Why does Postpartum Health Matter?
Okay, so picture it, you're fresh out of the hospital, and there might be a lot going on. So many things on your mind and so many worries. But your health is 100% important; it’s hard to remember that when you are so busy with your newborn. It is necessary to keep yourself safe, sane, and healthy. It’s important to have a solid circle of people you trust. Your support system is what will help you during your postpartum journey.
Right after birth, your body goes through significant changes. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone that were extremely high during pregnancy drop very quickly now that the placenta is suddenly gone. At that very same time, you are being hit with so many different hormones. Oxytocin rises and falls with all of these changes, prolactin increases in the body for breastfeeding, and sleep deprivation can further affect your health. This hormonal shift can make you feel so intensely.
This can result in you:
Crying easily
Experiencing mood swings
Anxiety and irritability
Feeling disconnected or easily overwhelmed
Attending your postpartum appointments can be hard, especially considering you are adjusting to your new life. We cannot express how important it is to continue your care after birth. Your visits allow your provider to check your physical healing, providing you with a safe space to check on your mental health and answer all of your questions.
Postpartum Visits
Many providers will schedule your first postpartum visit a few weeks after you’ve delivered, and more so if you have had complications during your delivery. They will also likely schedule you for your six-week postpartum check-up. It does depend on your needs; if your provider thinks it's important to see you more frequently, they may do so to watch over how you are healing and adjusting.
Your provider will likely do a full check-up. That includes checking your blood pressure, checking your weight, and all the other routine things. They will go over all of the different healing aspects of your recovery, ensuring that you are healing nicely and have the help you need to be a healthy parent.
Let’s go over the physical check-up after the routine check is done. While this part is also routine, it depends on your delivery and whether there were any complications or any special needs.
They will likely check:
Vaginal tears, stitches, episiotomies
Cesarean incision is healing properly
Bleeding and your discharge
Then would be the perfect time to go over any symptoms or pains that don’t seem quite normal. We all know that pregnancy and childbirth can put a strain on your pelvic floor muscles, and it’s common for birthing individuals to have diastasis recti.
It’s likely your provider will ask about:
Bladder control
Any pain during daily activities
Any pelvic pressure or discomfort
Bowel movements
They may recommend pelvic floor therapy, or they may tell you about at-home exercises you may incorporate to help strengthen the muscles.
Emotional and Mental Check-ins
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. During your visit, they may ask you about your mental health. It’s important to be honest. Many birthing individuals experience mood swings after birth; some emotional ups and downs are normal during the first few weeks of childbirth. But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be talked about. Share your emotions and feelings with your provider. It’s likely your provider will question you about your stress levels, anxiety, sleep, mood, and support at home. Keep in mind, there is great strength in seeking the support you know you need, and it is here if you need it!
Future Family Planning
It’s very common for your provider to bring up birth control during your postpartum appointments. Transparency is key; be honest about how you feel about birth control and what your family goals are. You and your provider can discuss and go over all of your options so you may make the best decisions for you and your family.
Questions You Shouldn’t Be Ashamed of Asking
Your postpartum appointment is the perfect time and space to ask all of your questions. Remember, there is no shame in asking questions, and there aren't any dumb questions, so ask away!
Some questions you may want to ask are:
When can you safely return to exercise
When can you resume sexual activity
Any sort of sleep or fatigue concerns
Emotional changes that you are concerned about
Any pain or discomfort that worries you
Nutritional health
It’s hard to say everything will wrap up in a nice, tight bow for you after you leave the hospital. It’s unrealistic, and we refuse to push a narrative that romanticizes a time that may be difficult for you and your family. It can be hard to adjust to your new routine, and that’s completely okay. You will begin to learn your baby, and this new version of yourself you may not recognize, and that can be very scary. Postpartum appointments aren’t just routine check-ups; they are so much more than that. They’re a chance for you to heal and ask all of the questions. For you to feel like you are getting the support that you need, mentally, physically, and everything in between. Every postpartum journey looks different, and no experience is “too small” to bring to your provider’s attention. Whether you are cruising along smoothly or struggling through this new chapter of life, you deserve the care, patience, and support every step of the way.
As always, you appreciate being in this sacred space with us. If you are looking for support or have further questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to us directly. Don’t forget to visit our social media platforms for our blog recap this weekend! See you next week, reader.