Postpartum Guide: The Fourth Trimester

Pregnancy Trimesters

Obie Editorial Team

The postpartum or postbirth period after delivery lasts for many months. It is usually a happy time for most women but it can also be stressful, and possibly dangerous. There are many potential complications for a new mom which may even be life-threatening. You need to care for your new baby and at the same time, your body has undergone many changes that need to be addressed.

You also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may happen in the postpartum period which can be dangerous and need to be addressed quickly before they threaten your health or life.

Unfortunately, many women don't know the signs of potentially life-threatening complications that could occur after you give birth. Specific signs you should watch for during the first year after birth include pain, shortness of breath, thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, and various others.

Top postpartum topics

Postpartum and postbirth issues

Breastfeeding basics

Early postpartum concerns (initial and first 2 weeks)

Later postpartum concerns (after first 2 weeks)

Postpartum and postbirth blogs

Postbirth studies

Postpartum fertility

Complications with baby