#2 - The Fourth Trimester

We all know about and prepare for the 3 trimesters in a pregnancy. But the weeks and months following the birth are so critical, it’s also worth preparing for your “Fourth Trimester”.

Your friends and family want to visit and see the baby. But what about you? After childbirth, the next 12 weeks are full of changes!  You may experience emotional swings, shed blood, sweat, and tears as you figure out how to take care of your newborn.  It’s a wonderful time but also a challenging time.  It’s helpful to know who you can lean on for the variety of issues that may arise.  Physical therapists can help from day 1.  We are specially trained to treat musculoskeletal injuries, birth-related injuries such as 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears or nerve compression injuries.  We work closely with midwives, OBs, nurses and doulas if you need help with breastfeeding, mental health, or cardiovascular issues, just to name a few.  Physical therapy is more than just exercise!  We can be a resource and valuable teammate to help you through the 4th trimester and beyond! I love talking about the fourth trimester and all the mysterious, foreign and embarrassing new challenges it brings. So feel free to contact me if you have questions or just want to talk. No judgements, and no topic is off limits!