The fourth trimester for mom
(3 months after giving birth)
Congratulations on welcoming your baby! We understand that this can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time. And we are here to help.
It’s important that you complete your care from beginning to end, to ensure you and your babyʼs health. That includes the postpartum stage. Postpartum care means going to your provider for checkups after you deliver your baby. These checkups help make sure you are recovering well to avoid any risks and complications after delivery.
Below are some reminders of what you need to do during this part of your journey.
Schedule your postpartum appointment
It is very important that you have a successful recovery after having your baby, so make sure to make a postpartum appointment. Make a list of all the questions you may have so you don’t forget to ask them to your doctor. The following can be included in your list:
Warning signs of health problems.
Your reproductive plan, including birth control.
Health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that need treatment after you have your baby.
Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding your baby.
Signs of Postpartum Depression, also called PPD.
We can help schedule your appointment and even set up a ride at no cost to your checkup. Call us at 832-828-1430 to request assistance.
Ask for help
After you have just had your baby, usually a family member or a close friend will offer to stay with you to help out with the baby around the house. Accept the help and don’t be afraid to ask. These are some ideas they can help you with:
Taking care of meals.
Helping with household chores.
Looking after your other children (if this is not your first child).
Looking after the baby while you rest.
If you have a partner, encourage them to participate as much as possible with the baby. This is the beginning of an exciting journey together and there are many things you both can share doing to make things a little easier.
Follow a healthy diet
You will need your energy to keep up with your baby, so make sure to eat healthy foods to stay sharp.
Understand your physical changes
During pregnancy, your body changed a lot. Now that your baby is here, your body is changing again. These are some of the expected physical changes you may be feeling after giving birth:
Perineum (area between your vagina and rectum) soreness.
Pain around the cesarean incision area.
Belly cramps.
Hemorrhoids and constipation.
Breast swelling and discomfort.
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Sometimes, however, there are warning signs or symptoms of a health problem that needs treatment. Make sure to go to your postpartum appointments, even if you’re feeling fine. Your health care provider can help spot and treat health conditions right away.
For more information about the changes your body goes through after giving birth, and what you can do to manage them, click here.
Take care of your mental health
Many women experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few days after giving birth, but when it sticks around, it can have an oppressive presence in a new mom’s life. Postpartum depression (PPD) is strong feelings of sadness, anxiety (worry) and tiredness that last for a long time. If you think you have PPD, it's important you see your doctor as soon as possible. It is nothing to be ashamed of, but you need to seek help. For more information, click here.
Watch out for warning signs
New moms are at risk of serious and sometimes life-threatening health complications in the days and weeks after giving birth. If you notice any of these signs of infection, talk to your doctor right away:
Fever higher than 100.4 F.
Heavy bleeding or passing of clots.
Redness or a lump in your breast.
Vaginal discharge that smells bad.
The area around your stitches is red and hot.
Pain on your back, your legs or when you urinate.
Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and tiredness, also known as postpartum depression (PPD).
For more information, click here
What about my baby?
Now that you know what to expect as a mother, learn more about the changes for your newborn.
Get rewarded for a healthy pregnancy!
Our Healthy Rewards Program offers exciting rewards and benefits for you and your family to enjoy as we help you plan for a healthy future, such as:
Basic Baby Care and Birth Classes
Fitness Center Membership Fee Assistance (STAR 21+ only)
Dental Services (STAR 21+ only)
Portable Crib/Playpen
Well-Child Checkups Rewards
Blood Pressure Monitor (for CHIP-P only)
Postpartum Visit Rewards
*Restrictions and limitations may apply and may vary by plan, including but not limited to age, gender and covered benefits by program. Extra benefits valid during the eligible year (September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025). Visit healthyrewardsprogram.org for more details.
Take care of your postpartum health
Healthy Texas Women (HTW) members now have access to HTW Plus, a program with improved postpartum services.
Need help applying for your baby’s health care coverage?
To see if your child is eligible for Medicaid, call 2-1-1, or for help with your application, click on the button below.