A Fourth Trimester Action Plan for Wellness

Expectant mothers/couples often report planning for early parenting is overwhelming. Lack of anticipatory planning makes evident the need for providers, like childbirth educators, to assist expectant parents in minimizing or eliminating the problems associated with the transition to the fourth trimester, early parenthood. Planning for birth should extend beyond labor and birth to include the weeks following. The author's purpose is to explore the problems associated with the fourth trimester, to review the current health-related literature, and to propose an integrated behavioral action plan as an effective strategy. Self-efficacy constructs support a wellness plan approach to enable expectant mothers/couples to be proactive in preparing for their physical and emotional needs after the arrival of their newborn.