You’re nearing the end of your third trimester of pregnancy, and as your due date draws near, so does your baby’s arrival. Once parenthood begins, you enter the so-called fourth trimester — or the first three months of the postpartum period.
Whether your baby arrives via vaginal birth or c-section delivery, you can expect this initial postpartum period to be a time of deep love, wonder, and excitement — as well as a time of physical discomfort, emotional challenges, and recovery from pregnancy and childbirth.
Our expert team at Capital Women’s Care is here to help with this quick guide to eight essentials that can support and comfort you through the “fourth trimester” as you heal.
After childbirth, you’ll experience lochia — or postpartum bleeding — for up to six weeks. Because this mucous, tissue, and blood from the lining of your uterus is much heavier than normal menstrual blood, heavy-duty postpartum pads are longer, thicker, and more absorbent.
Because postpartum bleeding can be especially heavy in the first week, it can be helpful to have a small supply of disposable postpartum underwear. Many new moms bleed through their heavy-duty pads during this time, and disposable underwear can spare your favorite pairs of underwear from the mess and stains.
It’s normal to feel sore after a vaginal delivery, especially in the vagina and perineum or the area between your vagina and anus. The area will be swollen and sore even if you don’t have tearing. Cloth-covered ice packs can bring instant relief; you can also put your sanitary pads in the freezer and create “padsicles” to further ease soreness.
Vaginal swelling and perineal tenderness following vaginal childbirth mean you can’t wipe with toilet paper or anything else for several days, especially if you have stitches. Use a “peri rinse bottle” to gently cleanse the area with water — without irritating tender skin. You can also foster more comfortable healing with a soothing perineal spray product.
A daily 15-minute sitz bath — or soaking in a tub of water up to your hips — can ease a tender perineal area, especially when you add soothing Epsom salts or witch hazel drops. Daily sitz baths or witch hazel wipes can also relieve hemorrhoids or the swollen, itchy rectal veins that are common during and after pregnancy.
Many new moms find themselves dealing with postpartum constipation, too. If you’re not as regular as you used to be, take a daily OTC stool softener for a few weeks to relieve constipation and help prevent straining on the toilet (which can worsen perineal soreness and hemorrhoids).
You'll need several comfortable nursing bras if you plan to nurse your newborn. Choose soft, wire-free bras to minimize discomfort, especially in the first few weeks when your breasts and nipples may be sore. Breast pads, which slip right into your bra, help soak up any leaking milk; nipple cream soothes sore or chapped nipples as your baby works to perfect their latch.
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, a feeding pillow gives your newborn — and your upper back and neck — much-needed comfort and support. This basic U-shaped pillow promotes good posture for you, and helps facilitate a range of positions for your baby so they can latch and feed comfortably.
Need more advice on postpartum essentials? We're here to help. Visit your nearest Capital Women's Care office in Frederick or Mount Airy, Maryland, today.
