You may have heard about the postnatal check-up that happens 6-weeks
after giving birth and may also identify this as the point at which you will
be cleared to return to activities such as running, weights, driving and sex.
When thinking about the postnatal check-up, most people think of an
appointment with their general practitioner (GP) or obstetrician and the
thought of a women’s health physiotherapist doesn’t even cross their
mind.
What a lot of new mums don’t realise is that women’s health
physiotherapists possess specialised skills to be able to thoroughly assess
and treat the postpartum body including the pelvic floor (strength, tears,
prolapse), bladder and bowel (incontinence and constipation) and any
musculoskeletal complaints such as abdominal muscle separation and
back pain. They are also able to determine a safe and individualised
pathway for return to exercise. It is important to note that this 6-week
check-up is different from the check-up conducted by the obstetrician,
GP or midwife and should be deemed complementary. You should still be
having a check-up with your obstetrician, GP or midwife separate to your
6-week postnatal women’s health appointment.
During the 6-week consultation, your women’s health physiotherapist will
assess everything that your obstetrician, GP or midwife either don’t have
the time or skills to do. Even though you may not currently have
symptoms, your women’s health physiotherapist possesses the skills to
identify issues before they turn into problems, taking more of a proactive
approach. The 6-week check-up is the perfect time to do this. Prevention
is much better than cure!
More to come soon!