Answer:
The postpartum (after birth) period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is the time your body recovers from pregnancy, labor and delivery. It typically lasts six to eight weeks but can last longer.
“The postpartum period is a time of immense change,” says Jodi Winemiller, CNM, MSN, R.N., lead certified nurse midwife at Sutter CPMC Mission Bernal Women’s Center. “For most families, the early weeks of being a new parent are a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes. Postpartum care helps ensure that you recover well in both body and mind.”
Unfortunately, 40-50% of women don’t receive routine postpartum care. That’s a concern because problems during and after pregnancy are steadily increasing among U.S. women — particularly Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women, according to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Get More Than One Postpartum Check-In
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing care for all postpartum women. At minimum, that means:
- An initial assessment with your OB/Gyn or midwife within three weeks after birth.
- Follow-up care as needed, especially for common postpartum symptoms.
- A comprehensive postpartum checkup no later than 12 weeks postpartum. At this appointment, your care provider should thoroughly evaluate your physical, social and mental well-being and help you identify your primary healthcare provider going forward.
At any time postpartum, call your OB/Gyn or nurse midwife if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms, such as swelling, vision changes or fever.
“More than anything, your postpartum provider will want to know how you’re doing and if you could benefit from any physical or mental support resources,” says Winemiller.
At Sutter, we’re here for you with:
- Lactation classes and one-on-one breastfeeding help.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Mental health guidance and resources.
- Postpartum classes and support groups.
- OB/Gyn visit and care team support via My Health Online.
- MHO Pregnancy Care Companion.
- Wellness checks with your Sutter pediatrician.
“When people are pregnant, they’re very motivated to engage, to come to visits and take care of themselves,” notes Winemiller. “Postpartum care is just as important to set yourself and your new family up for a healthy start.”