Fourth trimester is the three month period after delivery when a mother’s body deals with the residual changes from carrying the pregnancy and child birth. This time period is critical since neglect in correcting these changes can lead to chronic lifelong issues.
During pregnancy, significant changes occur to a woman’s body in order to support the pregnancy, including the following:
- Swelling of the extremities
- 25-30 pounds of weight gain (on average)
- Stretching of the abdomen and the breasts due to the engorgement of the breast glands and growing uterus
- Hormonal changes that affect mood and a sense of wellbeing
- Changes in the body resulting in a disfavorable self-perception and body image
- Tearing forces during labor may compromise control of the bowel and bladder function
- Sex may become uncomfortable, unpleasant or even painful
- Desire for sex and libido may suffer in some women
- A bulge in the abdomen may indicate diastasis recti (an exacerbating hernia or splitting of the abdominal muscles)
- Persistent back and arm pains affecting mobility
- Bulging tissue from the anal area and bleeding with bowel movement may indicate fissures and hemorrhoids
- Other mental, psychological and physical changes that leave the body different than the one prior to pregnancy
By paying attention to these changes, we have solutions that can correct or minimize the after effects of a pregnancy and allow the body to return to its emotional, psychological and physical state.