The fourth "trimester" is the time period after the baby is born but before life returns to normal. Here are some of the changes your body will go through during the fourth trimester.
Vaginal Bleeding
As the uterus shrinks back to its pre-baby size, a bloody discharge known as lochia appears. The blood tends to be bright red for the first few days and generally tapers off to a pale pink over the next two to six weeks. If the blood is bright red for more than a few days or doesn't seem to decrease over time, if you pass a clot bigger than a large grape, or if you feel dizzy or faint, contact your doctor immediately.
Skin Changes
You may have noticed a dark line on your belly during pregnancy. The linea negra is a common skin change caused by pregnancy hormones that will fade over time after pregnancy.
Stretch marks are also a common occurrence during pregnancy. While they may have appeared as red or purplish streaks, the marks often fade to light silver or flesh tone and become less noticeable.
Another common change is flabby belly skin. Your belly expanded along with a growing baby, and the loose skin around your midsection will tighten back up over time – faster with exercise.
Hair Loss
Most women experience thick and lustrous hair during pregnancy due to hormones. These hormones also cause your hair to shed more quickly after pregnancy is over, sometimes so much that thin or bald spots can occur. Postpartum hair loss generally occurs at around three months after the birth and can last for several months.
Engorgement
About three days after delivery, the breasts fill with milk and fluid and often become very large, full, and uncomfortable. The quickest way to relieve the pain and discomfort is to remove some milk from the breasts – by nursing baby if you are breastfeeding or expressing a small amount by hand. If you do not plan to breastfeed, apply warm, damp washcloths to your breasts to relieve some of the discomfort, but do not pump out any milk. By releasing milk, you are telling your body to make more, which will only further the discomfort. However, if you are nursing and need relief, pump out a small amount – enough to make you feel better but not too much that you produce more milk and become engorged again.
The fourth trimester can bring with it many new challenges; by being prepared, you can master those challenges and adjust to motherhood smoothly.
Related articles:
Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
Tips for Baby's First Doctor Visit
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