Ensuring Safe Passage Through Pregnancy's “Fourth Trimester”

Safe delivery of mother and newborn is just the beginning of a challenging transition.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Target Population: Obstetric care providers

Background and Objective

A large clinical gap separates optimal practice from current patterns of postpartum care. To improve care after delivery, professional organizations emphasize the importance of the “fourth trimester” (birth to 12 weeks postpartum).

Key Recommendations

Preparation for the fourth trimester should begin well before delivery and include anticipatory guidance on postpartum care, transition to parenthood, reproductive life plans, and transition to well-woman care.
Following birth, mothers at risk for significant short-term morbidity (e.g., new-onset headache, worsening hypertension, dyspnea, chest pain…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate