Fourth-Trimester Clinic

The first few weeks with your new baby can feel overwhelming. It's natural to focus all your attention on your little one, but it's just as important to take care of yourself, too.

That's why we created our Fourth Trimester Clinic. We offer appointments where you and your baby are both cared for at the same time, so you don't have to choose between getting the support you need and making sure your baby is healthy.

What Is the Fourth Trimester Clinic?

This innovative clinic brings together OB/GYN care, pediatric care, and lactation support in one visit. It's designed for early check-ins in the first days and weeks after birth — before the typical 6-week postpartum appointment — when many issues may arise.

What Appointments Include

For you:

Postpartum recovery support
Early family planning
Help with managing medical conditions impacted by giving birth
Support with sleep, breastfeeding or other challenges

For your newborn:

Initial well-baby check
Jaundice and lab screening
Growth check
Breastfeeding support with a certified lactation consultant
Evaluation of common newborn issues, such as umbilical cord complications, diaper rash, reflux, colic, etc.

Why Combined Care Matters

By pairing postpartum and newborn care into one appointment, the Fourth Trimester Clinic helps ensure both you and your baby get the support you need, without requiring multiple trips or competing for attention. It's a thoughtful, more complete approach to early postpartum care.

Related Services

When you're seen at this clinic, our providers can also help by linking you to other services, depending on your needs. We can help coordinate with:

Urogynecology, including pelvic floor physical therapy
Family planning and birth control
Ongoing support for breastfeeding
Reproductive mental health
Pediatrics
Primary care

Who Is the Clinic For?

The Fourth Trimester Clinic is for those who delivered their baby or received peripartum care at UC San Diego Health. Priority is given to:

Patients with complex medical or social needs
Patients who don't yet have an established OB/GYN
Patients whose insurance allows their newborns to be seen by a UC San Diego Health pediatrician, or who can use temporary newborn coverage under the parent's insurance.

Most appointments are for parent-baby pairs ("dyad visits"), but we also see parents who need early care without their infant.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Appointments are scheduled by a referral from your care team, either during your hospital stay after delivery, or during your prenatal visits.

If you're interested in being seen in the Fourth Trimester Clinic, talk to your OB/GYN or hospital care team. We're here to make the early weeks after birth a little easier for both you and your baby.

Find a UC San Diego Health Obstetrician