First 3 months postpartum (4th trimester): The challenge for most new moms

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen - Obstetrician-Gynecology Specialist - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
The 4th trimester or the first 3 months after giving birth is the time for mothers to gradually get used to milk diapers. Recent surveys show that about 40% of mothers feel depressed, anxious, postpartum pressure and overwhelmed when taking care of their baby in the first 3 months.

1. Statistics

A recent survey of 1,229 US women showed that:
57% of women under 45 and 31% over 45 are more likely to experience anxiety or depression after giving birth 63% of women also care about their own health as much as the health of their newborn baby. But of these, 26% of mothers do not have a good plan to take care of their postpartum health. In fact, 37% of 18-34 year olds don't make their health a top priority. About 37% of women feel embarrassed about how their body changes after giving birth. According to one study, about 20% of women experience postpartum mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, postpartum stress.

2. Prepare for the 4th trimester

Doctors say women must focus on their own health after giving birth just like when taking care of the health of their babies. Maternity care services must also pay attention to the 4th trimester, adding the first 3 months postpartum to the antenatal education program to better prepare women. Most women often don't know what to do for themselves for a few weeks after their baby is born. So it's best to get a lactation consultant or psychologist to get ready for this phase.
Although the 4th trimester is not a specialized phrase, actually the first 3 months postpartum is just as important as the 9 months of pregnancy. Compared with other animals, human pregnancy is shorter and ends earlier. During that time, young women must learn to be real mothers. This is a powerful transition, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. The truth is that they will never return to the way they were before.
Although there are also many recommendations on postpartum maternal care, these are rarely put into practice. About 60 days after giving birth, obstetricians no longer have the opportunity to ask about their current life or listen to women express their own concerns, instead all focusing on the baby. Postpartum obstacles for women - such as mood and anxiety, breastfeeding and loose pelvic floor muscles, etc. have not been given due attention.
A CDC report notes that approximately 700 American women die each year from cardiovascular disease, infection, bleeding, and pregnancy-related complications within 12 months of giving birth. In fact, 60 percent of these deaths could be prevented with appropriate medical intervention, the researchers say.

3. Attention in the first 3 months after giving birth

To cope with the challenges of first-trimester care and the pressures of postpartum, women need help with household chores or preparing nutritious meals, and some even need therapy or medication.
Types of support vary depending on each person's individual circumstances. In general, women in the first 3 months after giving birth should keep the following notes in mind:
Do not be excessively abstinent, ensure enough essential nutrients, lots of green vegetables and vitamins to restore health and create breast milk for the baby. . Do not eat salty foods to avoid causing constipation, increase blood pressure, as well as abstain from fermented, raw, cold, processed foods,... Do not exercise too hard, making the body tired and difficult to recover. You should only walk slowly, perform a few moderate movements, especially exercise for blood circulation for pregnant women having a caesarean section. Do not lift heavy objects to avoid impact on abdominal muscles, incision or damage to the perineum. Reaching out and raising hands should also be limited. Breastfeeding postpartum women should not arbitrarily use drugs or supplements without a doctor's prescription to avoid affecting the baby. Abstain from sex for at least 4-6 weeks after giving birth to allow the body to recover. Having sex too soon can cause vaginal bleeding and increase the risk of infection. Limit psychological stress, fatigue, and postpartum pressure by sharing housework and taking care of the first 3 months with your husband, as well as everyone in the family if they ask for help. Drink plenty of water, juice and milk to stay healthy. Avoid drinking alcohol (wine, beer), or coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Do not take a cold shower or go swimming, instead, wipe your body, clean your body with warm water in an airtight room, do not soak in water for too long. In addition, the mother can also steam with herbs to warm the body and help excrete waste better. Take care of and clean your teeth daily to be safe when you smell / kiss your baby. Take time to rest, get enough sleep in a spacious, airtight, clean and noise-free room. Limit the use of electronic devices to avoid affecting vision.

Usually, women will tend to put the needs of everyone else before their own. But for at least the first 3 months postpartum, women need to put themselves first. While babies need care, feeding, and sleep, so do new mothers. Women cannot take good care of their first three months of life if they do not know how to take care of themselves.
After 9 months and 10 days of heavy weight, pregnant women go into labor and face a level of labor pain comparable to 20 broken ribs at the same time. In order for the birth to go smoothly and safely, pregnant women need to understand: - How the labor process takes place, how long does it usually take to have a normal delivery or cesarean section, to protect the best health? for the unborn baby.
Methods to relieve pain during childbirth, limit pain and relieve psychological pressure during labor. The way to push and breathe during childbirth is usually the right way so that the labor takes place quickly, the pregnant woman does not lose strength during childbirth. How to control postpartum uterine contractions in the shortest time. How to take care of the perineal suture does not cause infection and dangerous complications. Early postpartum re-examination to detect dangerous abnormalities such as residual placenta, missing gauze. Take care of newborn until full month healthy. To ease the pain of childbirth, Vinmec offers a full Maternity program with a complete "painless delivery" service during and after birth using non-morphine epidural and sedation techniques. ashamed. During the birth process, the mother will be guided by the midwives on how to push and breathe properly, the baby will be born in just 10-15 minutes. After birth, the baby will be cared for in a sterile room before being returned to the mother.
Pregnant women will rest in a high-class hospital room, designed according to international hotel standards, 1 mother 1 room with full facilities and modern equipment. Mothers will be consulted by nutritionists on how to feed the baby before being discharged from the hospital. Postpartum follow-up with both mother and baby with leading Obstetricians and Paediatricians.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: babycenter.com
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