The Fourth Trimester: What Can You Expect From This Phase

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By the end of your third trimester, when you must
have been thinking that, youre at the end of
your pregnancy journey, you suddenly discover
there is a Fourth Trimester. Now, are you
fretting about the fact that youll have to keep
the baby in your womb for three more weeks? No!
We believe its not that hard! As far as the
Fourth Trimester is concerned, it is the 12
weeks period of transition for both you and your
newborn, after your babys birth. While your
physical and emotional fluctuations might just
begin as your postpartum symptoms, your newborn
would just begin to adjust to his or her world
outside your womb.
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Why Is The Fourth Trimester Important For Your
Baby?
Although the first 3 months of your newborns
life are full of spit-ups and a blur of poop,
many things are happening inside the budding
curious minds, making your baby achieve the
developmental milestones as he or she gradually
grows up. While it will take some time for your
cuddly little one to smile or babble, you can do
a lot for your baby during the 4th trimester to
support his or her development, in the meantime.
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Feeding Plenty of Food to Your Newborn In the
4th Trimester
Breastfeeding is undoubtedly the most cherished
moment for both you and your baby in the
4th trimester of your pregnancy. In the fourth
trimester of your pregnancy, you might be
breastfeeding, or giving your newborn a formula
feed. According to ACOG, you should be
breastfeeding your newborn exclusively till such
time that he or she crosses the half-year mark
(or 6 months). Feeding your little one may not
just establish a deep emotional connection
between you and your little one but also help
your baby develop the body and immune system.
This is an art that both of you need to learn
together.
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Lots of Sleep
Expect your newbie to sleep for at least 8 hours,
up to 16 or 18 hours at a stretch. However,
sometimes your newborns sleeping schedule is
unpredictable. He or she might remain awake
during the night, keeping you awake for the night
feeds. It may not just be for the night feeds
your baby may feel fussy for many reasons wet
diapers or sickness. All you need to do is
respond to the crying cues of your newborn, and
include your partner to support you by changing
your babys diaper or by giving you a message.
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Sense Development
Youll notice your newbie is born with the
all-essential senses of sight, smell, and taste.
In fact, your newborns senses continue to
develop and improve during your pregnancys
fourth trimester. That said, by the first three
months of your babys life, you can expect your
babys sight to develop fast. By the time your
babys 3 months old, he or she wouldnt have
blurry vision after all. He or she would be able
to see objects around him or her. Gradually, the
newbie is going to be alert and will develop the
ability to taste and smell.
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Physical Development
Your new baby at birth is helpless and unable to
move. However, your newly born little one has
reflexes and responses and moves his or her head
to reach out to your breasts. However, by the
time your newborn is 3 months old, he or she will
be able to push the forearms, and push his or her
head up or keep it in position. Gradually, with
time, all you can do is give your baby some tummy
time to encourage your babys strength and
movement.  
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What Will You Do As A New Parent For Your Baby In
The Fourth Trimester?
Since your newly born little one will require a
lot of care and love during this time, you, as
new parents, can help him or her out. Dr. Karp, a
wellknown paediatrician and author of The
Happiest Baby on the Block, introduces 5 S to
encourage you to help your little one out.
Swaddling The Baby
Sometimes restricting your babys arms and legs
can immediately calm him down and even put him to
sleep. However, you must remember, swaddling is
temporary and you can stop it the moment your
child starts rolling over.
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Hold Your Little One On The Side or Stomach
Yes! Hold your little one on your side, or over
your shoulder and put a little pressure on his or
her tummy. This will calm down your fussy baby,
and can even put your baby to sleep. 
Shush Your Baby
Your baby has been so habituated to the sound of
your blood while being cuddled up inside your
womb, that using the shhhhh sound can create a
comforting environment for him or her during
bedtime. 
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Suck
Put Your Little One In a Swing
If youre breastfeeding your little one, you
might just have to wait for some weeks before
giving him or her the pacifier to avoid nipple
confusion in the baby.
To find out which rhythm will suit your newborn,
use the cradle, sway gently, and make him or her
sit on a glider. 
However, your baby is different from the others
in your neighbourhood or friends group. He or
she may not like swaddling him or her or carrying
him or her. If, by chance, your little one
doesnt like something, he or she will let you
know. 
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How Is The Fourth Trimester For You As A New
Parents?

• This trimester is not just for your newbie, you
  need to take care of yourself too during this
  time, as for a firsttime mommy like you, we know
  that.
• Breastfeeding wouldnt be that easy.
• You will be undergoing hormonal fluctuations,
  giving rise to postpartum depression and mood
  swings.
• In fact, not getting proper rest during the night
  is also a real thing. 

• In this case, heres what you can do to help
  yourself out. 
• Try not to stress a lot. 
• Ask for help.
• Include your partner and let him share his duties
  with you.
• Engage in activities just to make yourself happy.
  You might strum a guitar, read a novel, or take a
  walk down the lane or your complex. 
• If your breasts are engorged, use breastfeeding
  pads to prevent leakage.
• Choose buttoned tops or blouses, so that your
  breasts are easily accessible to your little one
• Take enough rest.

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All said and done, dont forget to consult your
babys paediatrician for anything that concerns
him or her. Dont even forget to consult your
healthcare practitioner for anything that might
trouble you healthwise during this time.
Along with this, follow our blog page to read
about pregnancy, postpartum, baby care, and the
benefits of cord blood banking.
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THANKS!
Do you have any questions? You can find us at
info_at_cordlifeindia.com Toll Free Number 1800 121
6200 Website www.cordlifeindia.com
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trimester-for-new-mom/