E88: The Emotional Domain of the Fourth Trimester

Up to 80% of new mothers experience “baby blues” within the first two weeks after birth, and an estimated 15–20% go on to develop more serious conditions such as perinatal depression or anxiety. These emotional shifts stem not only from major life changes, but also from the dramatic hormonal drop that occurs after delivery—as the brain begins recalibrating for the demands of caregiving.

Perinatal mental health expert Lauren Gimbel, MD, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, in the emotional domain of the fourth trimester to explore how hormones, neurobiology, and human evolution shape early parenting. The conversation delves into maternal-newborn bonding, postpartum mood disorders, and why identifying emotional distress in new mothers is critical for the health of the entire family.