When Should You See a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist After Birth?
"Should I wait until something's wrong?" is one of the most common questions we get asked. Here's a straightforward guide to timing whether you're newly postpartum or years down the track.
The short answer
There's no expiry date on getting help. Whether your baby is six weeks or sixteen years old, pelvic health physiotherapy can still make a meaningful difference. That said, here's a general timeline of when people typically benefit from coming in.
Around 6 - 8 weeks postpartum
This is a common time for a first pelvic health check, once initial healing is underway. A physiotherapist can assess:
- Perineal or caesarean scar healing
- Pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis)
- Any early symptoms of leakage, heaviness, or pain
- A safe, individualised plan for returning to exercise
Before returning to higher-impact exercise
If you're planning to return to running, group fitness, or weight training, a pelvic health assessment beforehand can help make sure your body is ready reducing the risk of symptoms like leakage or prolapse developing or worsening.
Any time you notice symptoms
There's no need to wait for a scheduled appointment if you notice:
- Leaking urine, wind, or stool
- A feeling of heaviness or bulging
- Pain during sex
- Ongoing scar pain or sensitivity
- Back, hip, or pelvic pain that hasn't resolved
These symptoms are common - but common doesn't mean they should be ignored.
Months or years after birth
Many people don't seek help with their pelvic health until well after the postpartum period, sometimes because they didn't know physiotherapy could help, or symptoms crept in gradually. It's genuinely never too late to start pelvic floor care and abdominal function can improve at any stage, even years after birth.
Around perimenopause and menopause
Hormonal changes can bring on or worsen pelvic floor symptoms, even in people who had no issues after birth. This is another common and often overlooked time to seek an assessment.
The bottom line for pelvic health
You don't need a referral, and you don't need to be in pain to benefit from an assessment. Whether you're newly postpartum, getting back into exercise, or simply want to understand what's going on with your body, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
Ready to book an assessment?
Get in touch with our team or book an appointment now - we'd love to help.
