The Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester refers to the first three months after childbirth—a critical period of adjustment, healing, and adaptation for both mother and baby. This time is characterized by profound physical, emotional, and social changes that require intentional support and care. Unlike the well-documented pregnancy journey, the postpartum period often receives less attention, despite being equally transformative and important for long-term health outcomes.

Research shows that the postpartum period sets the stage for future cardiovascular health, mental wellness, and chronic disease risk. By implementing lifestyle medicine principles during this critical window, mothers can improve not only their health, but establish foundations for their children’s health. Pregnancy is like a “stress test” for the body, and if a woman develops hypertension or diabetes during pregnancy she is at increased risk for developing these conditions later in life. But the good news is with diet and exercise these cardiometabolic diseases are PREVENTABLE.