The fourth trimester is the first 12 weeks of your baby’s life outside the womb. It’s a time when both you and your baby need to adjust to the new world while bonding and enjoying each other. This trimester is also a time of many milestones for baby as they develop and grow. Knowing what to expect helps a new mom know whether or not everything is on track with your newborn. If it isn’t, you’ll want to talk to your pediatrician about options.
Development milestones for your baby
If your baby's development seems delayed
Staying on track is important and you’ll want to pay attention to milestones to ensure that your baby is meeting all metrics. Luckily you’ll be be at the pediatrician’s monthly for the fourth trimester to have your baby examined. If you feel your baby’s development is delayed, you’ll want to bring it up the next wellness checkup.
Signs that your baby is delayed might include:
- Unable to lift their head
- Not making any cooing sounds or other vocalizations
- Doesn’t focus their eyes on you or track your movement through the room
- Won’t explore mouth with hand
- Doesn’t smile upon the recognition of a loved one or caregiver
It’s best to not jump to conclusions if your baby is not doing what other babies their age are doing. Your pediatrican is the best person to determine if there is anything wrong or to be concerned with. There’s a lot going on in the fourth trimester and your baby may simply be on their own timetable.
Samantha Meltzer-Brody, chair of the psychiatric department at the University of North Carolina, cautions new parents about letting anxiety over your baby’s health and development define your parenting. “It’s one thing to worry, but it’s another thing to worry to the extent that you’re actually just not enjoying the baby at all,” she told the Washington Post.
