Women's Health Postnatal Physiotherapy Check

What’s involved in a Postnatal Check:

In those early days, the focus is often on baby—feeding, sleeping, adjusting to your new routine (especially if it’s your first time). And while that’s absolutely important, your recovery matters too.

A women’s health physiotherapy appointment is completely centered around you. We talk through your pregnancy, your birth experience, and any symptoms you may be having.

You have the option to have a pelvic floor assessment—this is completely up to you and only done with your consent. We can also do a visual assessment or skip it entirely if you’re not comfortable. We’ll check in on your abdominal wall, movement patterns, and posture. And if you’re hoping to return to exercise, we’ll create a tailored plan that fits your lifestyle, time, and equipment.

 

What symptoms should I keep a look out for?

Some symptoms might indicate that your body needs a bit more support during recovery. These can include:

• Leaking urine with sneezing, coughing, or during exercise

• Urgency or frequent urination

• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels

• Bowel urgency or incontinence

• Constipation

• A heavy or bulging sensation in the vaginal area

• Pain during intercourse

• Ongoing back, neck, pelvic, or hip pain

• Tightness around abdominal or perineal scars

• Excessive abdominal doming or separation

Who should see one?

This is not just for women who have had a vaginal delivery. Equally after a c-section, a postnatal check can be beneficial for both pelvic health and abdominal recovery.

Recent Canadian guidelines on getting back into exercise has removed the need for medical clearance for getting back into exercise.  This is an excellent resource to have as a ‘checklist’ for returning to physical activity. Let’s face it, there are enough barriers to getting back to exercise as a postnatal mum.

Postnatal classes are set up to get you returning to exercise in a supported environment. I work closely with The Pilates Room in Limerick. They have a progressive postnatal programme compromising of level 1 and 2 reformer pilates classes to enable you to gradually load and strengthen the entire body.

When should I see a physio postnatally?

A postnatal check typically takes place around six weeks after giving birth. But in reality, I often see women anywhere from six weeks to nine months postpartum—and sometimes even years later! The timeline isn’t one-size-fits-all. It really depends on your symptoms, goals, and when you're ready or able to return to exercise. 

I see a wide range of women—some with clear symptoms, and others simply seeking reassurance that everything is healing as it should. For many, that peace of mind is invaluable.

The truth is with knowledge, most women recover really well on their own. But knowing what to look out for, and having the option to check in with a physio, empowers you to make the right decision for you.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, or just want a professional to check in on how things are healing, don’t hesitate to reach out.I’d love to support you wherever you’re at in your postnatal journey.