Have you recently had a baby?
Feeling the effects of changes to your body?
Physiotherapy can help you during the 4th trimester and beyond.
Every woman experiences a different pregnancy and childbirth, which is why seeing a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at WA Health Group will provide you with the right advice and treatment which is specific to your needs!
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean section, you will be assessed for any pelvic floor muscle weakness and abdominal separation. This may involve a combination of real-time ultrasound imaging, an internal vaginal examination and a physical assessment of your posture, movement and muscle strength. This is extremely important as it reduces the risk of any pelvic-floor related complications such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, which can be common after giving birth.
A treatment with a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist involves a tailored exercise program to build strength through your pelvic floor muscles and tighten your abdominals, and general exercise to promote physical and mental well being. Our Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapists recommend seeing us after your 6 week obstetrician appointment to get you on the right track - to look after your physical and mental wellbeing, so you are at your best for your family. Expect to feel stronger again and have more energy to look after yourself and your new born.
Do I need a post partum physiotherapy check up?
What's the difference between an Obstetrician and Physiotherapy check up?
A review with a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy after you give birth is strongly recommended and considered best-practice for all women. This review differs from your six-week check-up with your obstetrician.
You should see a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist 6-8 weeks following childbirth, after you have been reviewed by your obstetrician. A post-natal physiotherapy check will involve your physiotherapist taking a detailed history of your pregnancy and birth (and any associated complications), and your recovery following the birth.
Common issues that may arise towards the end of pregnancy or following delivery include:
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Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (abdominal separation)
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Pelvic organ prolapse
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Urinary and/or faecal incontinence
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Difficulties with bladder and/or bowel function, such as urgency and increased frequency
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Painful perineal or caesarian section scar
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Blocked milk ducts and mastitis
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Difficulties returning to exercise
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Difficulties or pain with sexual intercourse
You will be screened for and assessed by your Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. This may involve real-time ultrasound of your bladder and pelvic floor muscles, and all women should be offered a vaginal examination to check for pelvic organ prolapse and to check the strength of your pelvic floor muscles before you return to exercise.
It is common for some women to not have any symptoms immediately following birth. If this is you, you may still be at risk of developing problems if you return to exercise too soon, or undertake activities that are not appropriate for your body. This is why seeing a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is essential - to get the right advice and exercise prescription for your body! The first step is to BOOK ONLINE, or to find out more, call the clinic on 08 6162 2616 or email info@wahealthgroup.com.au
We can’t wait to support you and your family to be at your best.
When can I get back into vigorous exercise?
When can I run?
When is the right time?
There are many factors to consider, and the timeframe will be different for everybody. If you are considering getting back into running after childbirth, important factors to consider include:
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Did you run prior to pregnancy, or throughout?
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What exercise did you perform during pregnancy?
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What are your current exercise levels?
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Are you experiencing any joint or muscle pain?
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Do you experience any urinary leakage or heavy/dragging feelings through the pelvis?
Running places an incredible amount of load through the body, and it is important that your body has adequate strength to support these loads. Generally speaking, it takes at least three months after having a baby to build enough strength to return to running, and for some women, it may take longer.
Our advice for women wanting to return to running after childbirth?
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See a Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist to be assessed for any pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and commence pelvic-floor specific and general strengthening exercises. We cannot stress this enough! Even if you have no symptoms, returning to running too soon can bring underlying issues to the surface.
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Perform low-impact, low-risk exercises for at least three months before commencing running. This may include walking and body weight/resisted exercises.
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Return to running at 3-6 months postpartum at the earliest. It is not advisable to commence running if you are experiencing pain, urinary leakage or pelvic heaviness/pelvic organ prolapse.
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Gradually build up your running. Start with small distances at an easy pace, gradually increasing your duration before increasing your speed.
To find out more, call the clinic on 08 6162 2616 or email info@wahealthgroup.com.au.
