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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy After Childbirth: What to Expect & Why It Matters


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Childbirth is an extraordinary experience but it’s also a major event for your body, especially your pelvic floor. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, your pelvic floor goes through significant changes that deserve attention and care. At Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy, our specialist women’s pelvic floor physio, Sangeeta Sharda is personalised to guide, support and empower you. Let’s explore why pelvic floor physiotherapy is important after birth and what you can expect during your sessions.


What Happens to the Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy and Birth?


Your pelvic floor muscles form a supportive sling at the base of your pelvis. During pregnancy, these muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby. During birth particularly vaginal delivery they may stretch even further or experience tears, trauma, or nerve disruption. Even with a caesarean, your pelvic floor can be affected by the weight of the pregnancy and hormonal changes.

Common postpartum pelvic floor concerns include:

  • Urinary leakage (especially when sneezing or lifting)

  • Bowel control issues

  • Pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness or pressure)

  • Pain during intercourse

  • A sense of instability or “weakness” in the core

These symptoms are common but not normal and they are highly treatable.


Why See a Pelvic Floor Physio After Birth?


Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to assess your recovery, identify any areas of dysfunction, and support you in regaining strength, control, and confidence.

Benefits of working with a pelvic physio include:

  • Early detection and treatment of prolapse or incontinence

  • Safe, individualised return-to-exercise plans

  • Better core and abdominal muscle coordination

  • Reduced pelvic pain or discomfort

  • Emotional support and validation during recovery

At Praxis Rehab, we believe your postpartum journey should be met with gentle care and no judgement. You’ve done something incredible now it’s time to look after you.


What to Expect in Your First Postnatal Appointment


Your initial consultation (45–60 minutes) is a relaxed, respectful session where we take the time to:


1. Get to Know You

We’ll talk about your birth experience, any current symptoms (e.g., leaking, pain, prolapse feelings), your lifestyle, and your postnatal goals.


2. Pelvic Floor Education

We explain how your pelvic floor works, how it may have been affected by birth, and how we can work together to support healing.


3. Physical Assessment

With your informed consent, we may gently assess your abdominal separation (DRAM), breathing patterns, posture, and pelvic floor muscles via external or internal examination. You are always in control of what happens during your session.


4. Your Personalised Recovery Plan

We create a care plan tailored to you which may include pelvic floor exercises, breathing work, lifestyle guidance, bowel and bladder retraining, or hands-on techniques.


When Should You Book a Postpartum Physio Visit?


You can book an appointment at any time after birth, even years later but the earlier you start, the more supported your recovery will be. Generally, 6 weeks postpartum is a great time for your first session, though we also work with women from just a few weeks after birth to several years later.


How We Work at Praxis Rehab


  • Your comfort is always our priority

  • We use clear communication and informed consent

  • Every treatment plan is tailored to your body and goals

  • We aim to empower you with tools to recover and thrive


Your Body Deserves Postpartum Support


You don’t have to “just live with” leaking, heaviness, pain, or weakness after having a baby.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you feel strong, confident, and in control again whether you're newly postpartum or years down the track.


Book your postnatal physio session today:


 (08) 7231 1628 Or visit us at: 

📍 13 Laffers Road, Belair SA (Inside Integrative Health Solutions)

Belair on Tuesdays – 10am-2pm



References: 

Hayman, M., Thornton, L., O’Hara, B., et al. (2023). Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: A scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(14), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106216


 
 
 

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