When you were pregnant, everyone joined you in counting down the days, weeks, and months until your baby would be born. Now that your little one is here, the countdown is over. But that doesn’t mean the woes of pregnancy are over.
The fourth trimester, or the recovery period and adjustment period of your body after birth, is a very formative time period. This month is filled with changes in your body, your household, and your baby’s body. Now that your little one is out of the safe cocoon of your womb, they’re learning to latch on to you for feedings and lay near you for warmth and comfort. All the while, your organs are resetting themselves and your hormone levels are skyrocketing to fuel these shifts.
Although everyone knows about the exterior changes that come after having a baby, many women are still surprised to feel so out of control with their bowels and bladder.
Childbirth—cesarean or vaginal—does a number on your organs. The trauma of childbirth weakens your pelvic floor muscles, often leaving them feeling like they had their own personal cross fit session.
Understand the level of work your body has done for you and react appropriately. The fourth trimester is a period of rest and recuperation. To treat yourself like anything else will only put you at risk for less than ideal symptoms in the long run.
Take time to map out a recovery plan for your bowels and bladder so you can ease your way back to a pre-baby stage. If you are experiencing urinary or bowel leakage, or a frequent urge to go often, start with a bladder and bowel diary. Fill it out and take note of what your body is responding to and then bring it to your doctor in your next postpartum appointment.
