Why Postnatal Exercise Needs to Start with Your Pelvic Floor
- Sangeeta Sharda
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
After having a baby, many women feel the pressure to “bounce back” quickly. Social media is full of fitness programs promising fast results, but the truth is, your body has been through huge changes especially your pelvic floor. Jumping back into running or high-intensity workouts without checking in on this area can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Why the pelvic floor matters first
During pregnancy and birth, the pelvic floor muscles stretch and often weaken. If you rush into heavy exercise before they’re ready, you risk issues like:
Leaking with coughing or exercise
A dragging or heavy sensation from prolapse
Ongoing back or hip pain
Women’s health physiotherapist Sangeeta Sharda provides postnatal pelvic floor assessments in Belair, guiding new mums through safe steps so they return to exercise feeling strong and supported.
What safe return looks like
Postnatal recovery isn’t about doing hundreds of crunches. It’s about rebuilding from the inside out. Physiotherapy may include:
Gentle pelvic floor and core activation exercises
Breathing techniques to reduce pressure on healing tissues
Gradual strengthening so you can enjoy walking, lifting, or even running again without pain or leakage
The goal? Confidence in your body, not just fitness.
The wrap-up
If you’re a new mum ready to get moving again, book with a women’s pelvic floor physio in Belair before you hit the gym. A little guidance early on can save years of problems later.
FAQs
When can I start exercising again?
Most women benefit from gentle movement within weeks of birth, but always check with your physio first.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book directly with a postnatal physiotherapist in Belair.
What if it’s been months or years since I had my baby?
It’s never too late to start. Physio can help at any stage.
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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