The early weeks and months after giving birth can be a bit of a blur. As a new mum, not only are you are busy adjusting to new challenges and learning new skills, but you are also often doing this on very little sleep. So, why should you prioritise this extra check up at this already-busy time? Here are four things that a specialist physiotherapist can help you with at a 6-week postnatal check:
1. Pelvic floor muscle assessment
Our Pelvic floor muscles are the muscles that form a sling at the bottom of our pelvis. They support important organs such as our bladder, uterus and bowel and also play a vital role in our control of continence. If you have had a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles may have been stretched or torn during the process. Just because you’ve had a C-Section does not mean you are in the clear too!! Pelvic floor weakness can occur just by carrying your baby for 9 months. A women’s health physiotherapist can assess your muscles in regard to tone (how are they at rest), your contraction ability (how are they when you turn them on, when you try to hold the contraction and how quickly do they contract.)
2. Abdominal muscle assessment
Measurement of your DRAM (Diastasis Rectus Abdominal Muscle) separation and providing an individualised strength-based program to help your abdominal muscles recover.
3. Prolapse risk assessment
Occasionally, due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (tears or weakness) some ladies may be at risk of developing a pelvic organ prolapse (slipping forth of the pelvic organs from their original place.) A prolapse assessment can determine whether you have a prolapse or are at risk of developing a prolapse and can tailor a specific program to help with your management.
4. Return to Exercise Management
Getting you back to exercise effectively and safely, whether this be a Pilates program, gym or cardio program.
