Up to half of all women experience weakness in both the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and up to a third still have a tummy gap at eight weeks post-birth. This can cause instability or poor core strength leading to women developing pelvic or back pain or bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. These conditions should not be something you should just put up with as a result of having a baby especially when there are solutions available through post-pregnancy physiotherapy.

Following pregnancy and delivery, regardless of the delivery method, it is important that all women have their stomach and pelvic floor muscle function assessed, due to the pressure pregnancy puts on these areas.

Post-pregnancy physiotherapy will establish when it is safe for new mums to return to exercise, as well as help you manage your expectations and set realistic fitness goals for when you return to exercise.

It’s recommended that women have an initial assessment after their 6-8-week GP check, but treatment is also suitable for women who gave birth years ago, and may still have a tummy gap or related pelvic floor issues.

Why is post-pregnancy physiotherapy so important?

Post-pregnancy, there will be a degree of weakening to your pelvic floor muscles, which are vital for continence, pelvic stability and sexual function. Currently, 45% of British women have urinary incontinence seven years postnatally!

Additionally, as a new mum, you’ll find yourself holding your baby in sustained positions and doing lots of lifting, this can lead to many aches and pains, including pelvic and lower back pain.

Postnatal MOT as Part of Women’s Health Physiotherapy

At Nordic Balance, we offer a Postnatal MOT service as part of our Women’s Health physiotherapy services. This provides a thorough and in-depth assessment of all issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, including:

– Internal pelvic floor assessment
– Pelvis, SIJ and Lumbar spine assessment
– Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) assessment
– Return to sport assessment
– Scar assessment.

After your physio assessment, we’ll devise a treatment plan for you which may include an individualised pelvic floor program, abdominal and core strengthening, and advice on return to sport, nutrition, sleep, posture and ergonomics.

Ideally, a Postnatal MOT should be performed from 6 weeks postnatally (after you have had your GP check-up), but even if your pregnancy was years ago, it’s never too late!

Book a Post-Pregnancy MOT with us at Nordic Balance Abbeville Road or call us on 0208 922 0495 to find out more from our team and make an appointment.