E88: The Emotional Domain of the Fourth Trimester

You are listening to Seven Domains of Women's Health:

E88: The Emotional Domain of the Fourth Trimester

Jul 18, 2025

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 , and Katie Ward, PhD, 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.

Transcript

_{This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription has been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.}

_{All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.}

Credits

Host: , Katie Ward, PhD

Guest: Lauren Gimbel, MD

Producer: Chloé Nguyen

Editor: Mitch Sears