ARTICLE
The three trimesters of pregnancy are filled with preparations and careful surveillance of the health of both mom and baby. However, in the months after their baby is born, the fourth trimester, priorities often shift for new moms, and their own health can fall to the bottom of their to-do lists. A new national survey found more than a quarter of mothers did not have a plan to manage their health after giving birth, while more than 40 percent say they felt anxious, overwhelmed or depressed. Additional findings from the survey include: Women under 45 were more likely to report that they experienced anxiety or depression after birth (57%) compared to women over 45 (31%). More than a third of women (37%) felt embarrassed by what their body was going through after birth. Nearly two-thirds of women (63%) said they were equally concerned with their health as they were with their baby's health, yet 26% did not have a good plan for their own health management after delivery, a number that jumps to 37% among 18- to 34-year-olds. Focusing on their own health may seem nearly impossible for new moms with a newborn at home, but in order to take the best care of their babies, moms have to make time to take care of themselves. More physicians, midwives and healthcare providers should make the fourth trimester a standard part of prenatal education. Having support and a plan in place before their baby arrives will help them make postpartum care a priority. Source: https://www.orlandohealth.com/
The three trimesters of pregnancy are filled with preparations and careful surveillance of the health of both mom and baby. However, in the months after their baby is born, the fourth trimester, priorities often shift for new moms, and their own health can fall to the bottom of their to-do lists.
A new national survey found more than a quarter of mothers did not have a plan to manage their health after giving birth, while more than 40 percent say they felt anxious, overwhelmed or depressed.