When should I see a Pelvic Health Physio postpartum?

Regardless of whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or c-section, your body has gone through significant changes through the 9 months of pregnancy, birth and then postpartum. After giving birth, seeing a Pelvic Health Physio is an important part of your recovery.

There are a couple of important times to see a Pelvic Health Physio postpartum. The first time point is within the first few weeks postpartum, generally around week 3-4. This session generally involves an in-depth discussion about your birth story, medical history, pelvic health and goals. It’s a good time to address any musculoskeletal or pelvic symptoms that you are experiencing, as well as give guidance on abdominal wall strengthening exercises for the first few weeks.

The second time is at 6 weeks postpartum, where we assess your pelvic floor (with your consent), any scarring, as well as any movement patterning and strength work related to your return back to exercise and any other goals that you might have.

If you are considering returning back to high impact exercise (e.g. running) I also often recommend a specific assessment at around 3 months postpartum or whenever you are ready - we’ll usually have discussed a treatment and exercise plan in your previous sessions if you’ve already attended. This session involves high impact exercise assessments specific to your chosen goals to ensure that you are ready.

Based on the assessments in each session, you will be given a plan of what to expect in terms of your recovery, treatment and plan moving forward. As everyone is individual, additional sessions are often recommended to ensure that you are progressing in the right way, and your treatment and home exercise program should be specific to you!

Note: if you’re past the fourth trimester, rest assured that it is never too late to see a Pelvic Health Physio for assessment and treatment!

Book in to start your recovery and journey today.