Navigating Postpartum (aka the Fourth Trimester) and What to Expect After Birth
April 22, 2026 | Tags:
After giving birth, a woman’s body and hormones change dramatically, often in ways she wasn’t expecting. Navigating these sudden shifts can feel overwhelming or even frightening, especially while adjusting to life with a newborn. Understanding these changes can help new mothers feel more supported and less alone. While each birth experience is unique, Dr. Fares Alqara, Assistant Medical Director at Medical Mutual, shares a few things for mothers to keep in mind as their body adjusts and heals.
What can you expect immediately after birth?
Regardless of whether a woman goes through a vaginal delivery or C-section, doctors spend the 24 hours immediately afterward closely monitoring her. This looks like:
- Assessing any bleeding.
- Checking labs.
- Inspecting any incisions.
- Checking blood pressure and vital signs.
While still in the hospital, mothers will meet with a lactation consultant to talk through breastfeeding and milk supply. Alqara said these consultants can be a resource for up to a year postpartum, and he recommends getting their contact information before heading home.
Once mother is discharged from the hospital, she should watch for symptoms that can indicate an infection, such as:
- Vaginal discharge
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Breast pain
Mothers who are breastfeeding should be aware of severe tenderness, pain, red streaks or rashes on the breast. Those experiencing ongoing bleeding should contact their doctor.
Pregnancy can also cause constipation and gas pain, so new mothers should prioritize consuming plenty of fluids and fiber to aid in digestion and gut health.
Why do postpartum hormones trigger the “baby blues”?
The early weeks of motherhood bring significant hormonal changes. “As quickly as a mother’s hormones change when they become pregnant, they change again after delivery,” Alqara said. “A drop in estrogen and progesterone causes a lot of emotions that they experience in the first couple of days to up to four weeks.”
This drop in hormones can cause hair loss that lasts three to six months, as well as vaginal bleeding and contractions. The fast drop in hormones, stress and lack of sleep can also result in postpartum blues.
“We call them ‘postpartum blues’ for a reason,” Alqara said. “And in the first four weeks it is normal.” While it’s not uncommon to experience the postpartum blues, which affect around one in eight women, feelings of helplessness or a desire to harm yourself or your baby are serious. Mothers experiencing these severe feelings should contact their doctor immediately, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, or call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline online chat platform is also available at 988lifeline.org.
Why you should make postpartum appointments
At six weeks, mothers generally hit a turning point and their hormones begin returning to normal, Alqara said. Postpartum care is an ongoing process, and mothers and their OB-GYNs should connect within three weeks of delivery. That initial check-in should be followed by a complete postpartum visit no more than 12 weeks after baby arrives.
“Your postpartum visit is critical, because that’s when your doctor will examine you, guide you through what needs to be done and address any issues,” Alqara said. “Even if you’re feeling great, attend your postpartum visit.” The postpartum visit is the perfect time to bring up any concerns. For the best care, women should get comfortable being honest with their OB-GYN, he said. Then continue to see your doctor for ongoing well visits.
Signs your postpartum feelings may be more than the baby blues
Lingering postpartum blues are one common complaint. According to Alqara, these emotions continue past four to six weeks – or are more severe than just the blues – mothers should talk to their doctors immediately about being treated for postpartum depression. Women with postpartum depression often describe feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion and can experience changes in appetite, excessive crying and withdraw from family and friends. In some extreme cases, they might think about harming themselves or their child.
Mothers shouldn’t fear stigma along with a postpartum depression diagnosis, Alqara said. It’s a common health issue that many experience, and your medical team is ready to help. Medications and working with a therapist are used to treat postpartum depression. Alqara reassures mothers that the medications are non-addictive and safe while breastfeeding. Some individuals may need treatment for six months, a year or two years, depending on the unique situation.
How long does it take to recover after birth?
After delivery, it ultimately takes about a year for new mothers to fully recover. That’s why doctors recommend waiting 12 to 18 months before getting pregnant again. “When new mothers get pregnant again right away, they can get diabetes, struggle with weight loss and experience more complications because their body never fully went back to normal,” Alqara said.
He adds that mothers should spend their time healing in whatever way is best for them. Mothers can find support from their OB-GYN, in new mother groups and from friends and family. He encourages them to accept help when it’s available, seek small moments of fresh air or rest when possible and prioritize their well-being in ways that fit into their daily lives.
Pregnancy and postpartum support with Medical Mutual
The MedMutual Maternity App supports mothers and their growing families, throughout ovulation tracking, pregnancy and into postpartum. New mothers can find various health trackers and a library of postpartum resources on the app, including postpartum recovery, support and mental health information for partners.
App users have access to Ask Poppy, an AI-guided experience powered by Wildflower Health, Inc. that provides immediate, personalized and trusted answers to your health questions with links directly to related, sourced articles. Learn more by downloading the MedMutual Maternity app.
Medical Mutual also offers digital education and support through our Maternity program at no additional cost. This support includes access to a specially trained maternity health coach who can provide valuable knowledge, advice and comfort during the pregnancy if any risk is detected. Call our Care Management specialists at 1-800-590-2583 to learn more or enroll today.
Discuss any postpartum health concerns or symptoms with your primary care provider (PCP). Need help finding a PCP in your network? Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.