6 Week Postnatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Appointment.
What is the purpose of the 6 Week Postnatal Check?
The 6 Week Postnatal Check is an essential milestone in your recovery journey post birth. It provides an opportunity for our women's & pelvic health physiotherapists to assess your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and overall well-being after giving birth. This check allows us to identify any areas that may need attention and provide guidance on how to optimise your postnatal healing process. It also serves as a guideline for returning to more intense exercise.
Why do we wait until at least 6 weeks until the postnatal check?
Waiting until at least 6 weeks after giving birth before scheduling the postnatal check is a widely recommended practice for several important reasons:
What will the physiotherapist look for during the check?
Our skilled women's & pelvic health physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination during your Postnatal Check. They will assess the following areas:
What is the incidence of prolapse and abdominal separation after childbirth?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common concern after childbirth, affecting approximately 50% of those who have given birth vaginally. It occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal canal. Abdominal separation, known as diastasis recti, affects up to 60% of patients in the postnatal period. While these conditions are prevalent, it's important to remember that with proper care, guidance, and targeted exercises, many patients can effectively manage and improve these conditions.
When is it safe to return to exercise after childbirth?
Every woman's postnatal journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. At your 6 Week Postnatal Check, our physiotherapist will discuss your specific situation, considering factors such as the type of delivery, your overall health, and any complications you may have experienced. We are committed to providing individualised advice and guidance to ensure your safe return to exercise. Our nurturing approach focuses on gradual progression, listening to your body, and promoting self-care throughout the postpartum recovery process.
How late is "too late" to get a postnatal check?
While it's ideal to have a postnatal check at 6-8 weeks after giving birth, there is no hard and fast rule regarding the exact timeframe. It's important to prioritise your postnatal health regardless of when you schedule the check. There is no such thing as being "too late" to seek care and support.
Here at Articulate we understand that life can be busy and unpredictable, and sometimes scheduling a postnatal check may not be feasible immediately after the recommended 6-week period. We are committed to providing care and support to patients at any stage of their postnatal recovery.
Whether it has been a few months or even years since you gave birth, reaching out for a postnatal check is still valuable. Our physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and addressing postpartum concerns at different stages of the postnatal journey.
Here's what you can do:
Remember, seeking postnatal care is a positive step toward your well-being, regardless of the time that has passed since childbirth. Our clinic is dedicated to providing nurturing, consent-focused care and supporting you throughout your postnatal journey.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our clinic. We're here to support you at any stage of your postnatal recovery.
If you have had a baby and are looking for experienced women's & pelvic health physiotherapy our teams at Tarragindi and Coorparoo would love to help. Book via the link below, or give us a call on 07 3706 3407 to discuss with our friendly admin team about what might be right for you.
The 6 Week Postnatal Check is an essential milestone in your recovery journey post birth. It provides an opportunity for our women's & pelvic health physiotherapists to assess your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and overall well-being after giving birth. This check allows us to identify any areas that may need attention and provide guidance on how to optimise your postnatal healing process. It also serves as a guideline for returning to more intense exercise.
Why do we wait until at least 6 weeks until the postnatal check?
Waiting until at least 6 weeks after giving birth before scheduling the postnatal check is a widely recommended practice for several important reasons:
- Physical Recovery: The postpartum period is a time of significant physical healing and adjustment. Allowing a minimum of 6 weeks gives your body time to recover from the changes that occurred during pregnancy and childbirth. This timeframe allows the uterus to shrink, vaginal tissues to heal, and hormonal levels to stabilise.
- Time for Adaptation: After childbirth, both your body and mind undergo numerous adjustments as you settle into your new role as a mother. Waiting until the 6-week mark allows you to adapt to these changes, establish a routine, and gain a better understanding of any specific concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Hormonal Balance: Hormonal fluctuations are common after childbirth, and they can affect various aspects of your well-being, including emotions, breastfeeding, and physical recovery. Allowing sufficient time for your hormone levels to stabilise improves the accuracy of the assessments performed during the postnatal check.
- Early Complication Identification: By waiting for the 6-week mark, our physiotherapists can better identify any potential complications or concerns related to the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, or general well-being. This delay ensures that any immediate postpartum issues have resolved or stabilised, enabling a more accurate assessment and tailored treatment plan.
- Maternal Bonding and Support: The initial weeks after childbirth are crucial for establishing a strong maternal-infant bond and focusing on your newborn's care. By scheduling the postnatal check at least 6 weeks postpartum, you can dedicate your time and energy to bonding with your baby, while also receiving the focused care and attention you deserve during the check-up.
What will the physiotherapist look for during the check?
Our skilled women's & pelvic health physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination during your Postnatal Check. They will assess the following areas:
- Pelvic Floor Function: We will evaluate the strength, endurance, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. This assessment helps us determine if there are any concerns such as weakness, incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. In our pelvic floor checks we utilise ultrasound and internal examinations where appropriate, however are completely happy to work with whatever level of assessment you feel comfortable with.
- Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti): We will check for any separation or weakness in the abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy. Understanding the degree of separation allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan to aid in the recovery process.
- Overall Well-being: Our physiotherapists will discuss your general health, mental well-being, and any concerns you may have regarding postpartum recovery. We believe in a holistic approach that considers your overall wellness.
What is the incidence of prolapse and abdominal separation after childbirth?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common concern after childbirth, affecting approximately 50% of those who have given birth vaginally. It occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal canal. Abdominal separation, known as diastasis recti, affects up to 60% of patients in the postnatal period. While these conditions are prevalent, it's important to remember that with proper care, guidance, and targeted exercises, many patients can effectively manage and improve these conditions.
When is it safe to return to exercise after childbirth?
Every woman's postnatal journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. At your 6 Week Postnatal Check, our physiotherapist will discuss your specific situation, considering factors such as the type of delivery, your overall health, and any complications you may have experienced. We are committed to providing individualised advice and guidance to ensure your safe return to exercise. Our nurturing approach focuses on gradual progression, listening to your body, and promoting self-care throughout the postpartum recovery process.
How late is "too late" to get a postnatal check?
While it's ideal to have a postnatal check at 6-8 weeks after giving birth, there is no hard and fast rule regarding the exact timeframe. It's important to prioritise your postnatal health regardless of when you schedule the check. There is no such thing as being "too late" to seek care and support.
Here at Articulate we understand that life can be busy and unpredictable, and sometimes scheduling a postnatal check may not be feasible immediately after the recommended 6-week period. We are committed to providing care and support to patients at any stage of their postnatal recovery.
Whether it has been a few months or even years since you gave birth, reaching out for a postnatal check is still valuable. Our physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and addressing postpartum concerns at different stages of the postnatal journey.
Here's what you can do:
- Contact Us: Reach out to our clinic to schedule a postnatal check appointment, regardless of how much time has passed since childbirth. Our supportive staff will assist you in finding a suitable time that works for you.
- Comprehensive Assessment: During your appointment, our physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate your pelvic floor function, abdominal muscles, and overall well-being. They will take into account the time elapsed since childbirth and any specific concerns you may have encountered during the postpartum period.
- Open Discussion: We value open communication and encourage you to share your experiences, any changes you've noticed, and any concerns you may have regarding your postnatal recovery. Our physiotherapist will provide a safe and nurturing space for you to discuss your journey and address any questions or uncertainties.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings and your specific needs, our physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan to support your postnatal recovery. This plan may include exercises, manual therapy, education, and other appropriate interventions tailored to your current stage of recovery.
Remember, seeking postnatal care is a positive step toward your well-being, regardless of the time that has passed since childbirth. Our clinic is dedicated to providing nurturing, consent-focused care and supporting you throughout your postnatal journey.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our clinic. We're here to support you at any stage of your postnatal recovery.
If you have had a baby and are looking for experienced women's & pelvic health physiotherapy our teams at Tarragindi and Coorparoo would love to help. Book via the link below, or give us a call on 07 3706 3407 to discuss with our friendly admin team about what might be right for you.
Who to book in with:
Melissa Harris
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If you are unsure about which appointment type is right for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reception staff by calling 07 3706 3407 or emailing info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au.