What is the fourth trimester?

Key facts

  • The fourth trimester is the 12-week period after the birth of your baby.
  • The fourth trimester is a time of emotional and physical change, as you adjust to being a parent — it's normal to feel overwhelmed in the weeks after your baby is born.
  • The term 'fourth trimester' suggests that you should try to recreate, for another 3 months, the kind of environment your baby had in the uterus.
  • Swaddling your baby creates a sense of safety and security, while skin-to-skin contact helps you bond with your baby.
  • Don't be afraid to ask family, friends or a health care professional for help.

    • What is the fourth trimester?

    The fourth trimester is the 12 weeks after your baby is born. Not everyone has heard of it, but every parent and their newborn baby will experience it. It is a time of great physical and emotional change as your baby adjusts to being outside the uterus, and you adjust to your new life as a parent.

    The term 'fourth trimester' suggests that you should try to recreate, for another 3 months, the kind of environment your baby had in the uterus.

    How can I help my newborn adjust?

    You can help your newborn feel comfortable and get used to the outside world in many ways, such as:

    • swaddling and swaying
    • skin-to-skin contact
    • during feeding and bath time

    Swaddling and swaying

    Swaddling your baby and gently swaying them is a great way to help them feel safe and secure, just like they did before they were born. By swaddling your baby when you put them down to sleep, they might feel more secure, wake less often and sleep for longer.

    All babies are different — some like to be 'worn' in a sling across your chest, as this helps them feel snug and close to you. It's important to make sure you use the sling correctly, as it can cause injury if not properly fitted.

    Movement is also a great way to help your baby feel settled and calm. Gently swaying or rocking from side to side, walking while you carry them or even taking a quick car trip can settle some babies.

    Skin-to-skin contact

    Skin-to-skin contact, also called 'kangaroo care', is encouraged in the moments after you give birth, and should continue long after you have left the birthing room. Cuddling your newborn on bare skin is a great comfort to them and a bonding experience for both of you. Your smell and the sound of your heartbeat is warm and familiar. This is also something your partner can do.

    Feeding

    Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, newborns need to feed 8 to 14 times a day. Combine feeding time with skin-to-skin contact with your baby, to reinforce close contact and comfort.

    Bath time

    Having a warm bath can be a relaxing and comforting experience for newborns. Floating in the water is like being in the uterus. It's also a great way for you to bond, talk and sing to your baby. Bath time can be fun for you and your baby, but always remember to keep them safe.

    What does the fourth trimester mean for parents?

    The fourth trimester is a time of great change for you and your baby. When your baby arrives, people often pay more attention to your baby than to you. Parents can also overlook their own health and wellbeing.

    Newborns take up lots of time. It's very easy for new parents to be overwhelmed in the first few weeks by the demands of feeding and looking after a baby. Combined with the physical recovery after giving birth and the changes to your hormones, it's no wonder parents feel exhausted.

    Ask for help

    In some cultures, new parents spend the first few weeks totally focused on bonding and recovering with their newborn. Some people may have a family member or friend stay with them to do things around the house and help with their baby.

    If you can, plan ahead before your baby is born. Think about what you want to happen after your baby is born. Talk about what you expect ahead of time with family, a close friend or other relevant people. It's OK to ask for help.

    If you have a partner, encourage them to help out and participate in parenting as much as you would like them to. You are both in this together and there are lots of things you can both do to share the load.

    You may not want a lot of people coming over, but family and friends can help by:

    • bringing meals
    • helping with household chores
    • looking after your other children (if this is not your first child)
    • looking after your baby while you rest

    Eat nutritious food

    You will need lots of energy in the fourth trimester, so choosing healthy foods and snacks will help give you the boost you need.

    When you are breastfeeding, your body needs more energy and nutrients. By choosing different kinds of food from the five food groups you will get the energy and nutrients you need to handle the extra work of taking care of your baby.

    Healthy snack ideas include:

    • fresh fruit
    • nuts or seeds
    • cracker biscuits with low-fat cheese or a spread such as peanut butter
    • fruit bread, muffins, pikelets, rice cakes
    • milk drinks, and fruit or milk smoothies
    • low-fat yoghurt with fruit

    Some light exercise will also help with your recovery and energy levels. Make sure to give your body time to heal and take it at your own pace. You can always ask your doctor or midwife to recommend an exercise program.

    Sleep when you can

    It might sound obvious, but you need to sleep. It's going to take a while for your baby to settle into a routine and even then, you may be kept awake at night. If you can, try and sleep when your baby sleeps, or ask your partner or a family member to look after your baby while you rest.

    When should I see my doctor or midwife?

    Your body has been through a lot during your pregnancy and birth. Your physical recovery will take time, but it's important to speak to your doctor or midwife if you have any of the following:

    • heavy bleeding or passing of clots
    • high temperature or fever
    • offensive-smelling vaginal discharge
    • a hard or painful lump in your breast
    • if you had stitches, an area around stitches that is red, hot or oozing
    • pain, tenderness or a warm area in your legs
    • concerns about yourself or your baby
    • changes in your mental wellbeing, like feeling worried, sad or anxious

    It's a good idea to have a postnatal check 6 weeks after having your baby. This is usually a good opportunity to review your health and wellbeing.

    Many women also get the 'baby blues' in the first few days after giving birth. If these feelings don't go away it's important you see your doctor as soon as you can. Postnatal depression affects 1 in 5 females in Australia — it is nothing to be ashamed of, but you need to seek help.

    FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

    Resources and support

    Don't hesitate to speak with your doctor or midwife if you are concerned.

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436. You can also use the video call service to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. This service is free and available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week, including public holidays.

    You can call the Maternal and Child Health Line in Victoria on 13 22 29, they are a service available to families with children from birth to 6 years old.

    Visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association or call on 1800 686 268 for support from qualified breastfeeding counsellors.

    Call PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) on 1300 726 306. PANDA also has:

    ForWhen can help new parents or carers find mental health support services nearby, call 1300 24 23 22.

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: September 2025