What is postpartum?
The postpartum phase—sometimes called the “fourth trimester”—is the period after giving birth when your body and mind begin to recover and adjust to life with your new baby. The first three months are a critical time of healing and transition, but postpartum care extends well beyond those early weeks as you set the stage for good mental and physical health.
Your Baylor Scott & White OBGYN is your partner throughout this phase and can offer the comprehensive support and care you and your baby need.
Postpartum symptoms
Whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section (C-section), your body needs time to recover after having a baby. Recovery can take six to eight weeks, but it may take a few months for your body to feel like it’s back to normal. Symptoms may be physical, emotional or a combination of both.
Virtual postpartum care
Get access to six months of online care and support to help you and your new baby get a healthy start. Our Postpartum Care program connects you with a dedicated nurse care advocate who provides guidance and resources and can help you access lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health support and more.
Postpartum recovery
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after giving birth is to allow yourself time to rest and heal. While this may be easier said than done, getting rest allows your body and mind time to recover. Ask for help when you need it. This could mean limiting visitors, asking for help with childcare or asking for help with tasks like cleaning and making meals.
Other than resting, some of the other ways to take care of yourself in the weeks after delivery could involve:
- Nutrition: Try to drink lots of water and eat healthy foods like lean protein, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Staying hydrated can also help with constipation.
- Caring for your perineal area: If you had a vaginal delivery, you may be sore for a few weeks. Your provider probably gave you some tips to help care for your bottom at home. Using a peri bottle with warm water to rinse after using the bathroom and using witch hazel pads are ways to help your bottom feel better.
- Limiting physical activity: While you may want to return to your pre-pregnancy size, don’t rush to exercise or get back in shape. Your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s safe to exercise. Most people can begin walking or doing gentle movements a few days after giving birth. People who had a C-section birth may need to wait longer. Once you’re able to exercise, begin slowly so you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
- Mental health support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help and be patient with your emotions. The postpartum period can be challenging in so many ways. If you feel sad, overwhelmed, anxious or stressed, talk to your partner, a friend or your healthcare provider about it. There are many resources available to support you.
Postpartum checkups
Your postpartum checkups give you and your OBGYN a chance to discuss physical and emotional symptoms, concerns and questions you have as you recover from childbirth. These visits also allow your OBGYN to monitor health conditions that developed during or shortly after pregnancy to ensure those conditions are managed well.
If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, you may be seen in the first 48 - 72 hours after discharge, then at two weeks and six weeks postpartum. Otherwise, your first visit should be within three weeks after birth.
Stay on top of these postpartum visits and go even if you feel fine. Your OBGYN can offer valuable tips and advice about weight management, mental health, sexual health and many other concerns.
Find a location near you
You can find comprehensive postpartum care at Baylor Scott & White locations throughout North and Central Texas. If you experience mental health, breastfeeding or other parenting challenges, your OBGYN can refer you to a specialist or support service that meets your needs.
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