The Fourth Trimester

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) have reinforced the importance of the early postpartum period and have redefined it as “The Fourth Trimester”.

The first weeks following birth are a time of joy but can also be difficult for women as they adjust to the change of having a new baby, recover from childbirth, have less sleep as well as learn to feed and care for their baby. Women may also experience pain, stress, decreased sexual desire and urinary incontinence.

ACOG recommends that all women should have a full post-natal review within the first 3 months of having a baby. The review should include assessment of physical, social and psychological well-being such as mood, infant care and feeding, sexuality, sleep and fatigue, physical recovery from birth and health maintenance.

At PROmotion we offer detailed post-natal reviews, from 6 weeks following birth, with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. The post-natal review includes assessment of pelvic floor function, abdominal muscles, low back and pelvic girdle pain, bladder and bowel function, sexual pain and desire, breastfeeding posture and blocked ducts as well as helping you to exercise safely with our Mums and Bubs Pilates classes and Mum's in Motion gym classes. 

To book your post-natal review call the clinic on 9284 4405 or book online through our website.

For more information about Women's and Men's Health check out our pelvic health instagram @promotingpelvichealth as well as the pelvic health page of the PROmotion website. 

References: Optimizing postpartum care. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2018;131:e140–50.