Everything you need to know to prepare for the fourth trimester and your recovery
Vaginal discharge and bleeding after birth is normal and can last 4β6 weeks. It starts heavy and red, then becomes lighter and pinkish-brown before tapering off. Call your doctor if you soak more than a pad per hour for two consecutive hours.
Cramping as your uterus contracts back to its pre-pregnancy size. Stronger in subsequent pregnancies and during breastfeeding. Ibuprofen helps β check with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Pain, swelling, and soreness around your perineum for several weeks if you had a tear or episiotomy. Ice packs, sitz baths, and prescribed pain relief all help.
Incision site soreness for 4β6 weeks. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Take prescribed pain medication. Keep the incision clean and dry.
Breasts become very full, hard, and painful when milk comes in around days 3β5. Feed frequently, apply warm compresses before feeding, and cold compresses after.
Up to 80% of new mothers experience tearfulness, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed in the first week. It typically resolves within 2 weeks as hormones stabilize.
If feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, or inability to bond with your baby persist beyond 2 weeks or are very intense, seek medical help. PPD is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Share your feelings with your partner, family, or a healthcare provider. Isolation makes PPD worse. Community and support are essential.
Maternity pads, disposable underwear, a sitz bath kit, nipple cream (Lansinoh), nursing bras, and a postpartum belly wrap. Stock pain relief medication (check with your doctor).
Prepare and freeze nutritious meals in your last weeks of pregnancy. You will be exhausted and the last thing you need is to cook. Accept all offers of food from family and friends.
Nappies (newborn and size 1), wipes, onesies, sleepers, swaddle blankets, a bassinet or crib, a car seat (required to leave hospital), and formula if not breastfeeding.
Identify who will help you the first few weeks β a partner, family member, or friend. Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask specifically for help with older children, cooking, and household tasks.
Breastfeeding is a skill that doesn't always come naturally. A class or session with a lactation consultant before birth can make a big difference.
Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth (the "golden hour") stimulates hormones and helps establish breastfeeding. Ask your hospital or birth team to support this.
Fed is best. Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed with expressed milk, or use formula β what matters most is a nourished, loved baby and a healthy, supported mother.
Know your due date so you can plan ahead
Calculate your expected delivery date to prepare in time
Calculate Your Due Date βMedical notice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always follow the advice of your midwife, doctor, or health visitor for your specific situation.