Having a baby is a significant physical and emotional experience, and your body needs time to recover after pregnancy and childbirth. Whether you have given birth vaginally or via caesarean section, postnatal recovery can involve changes to your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, posture and overall strength.
A postnatal physiotherapy assessment is designed to help you understand how your body is recovering, identify any concerns and develop a personalised plan to support your return to everyday activities and exercise. But what actually happens during an appointment, and when should you consider booking one?
When Should You Book a Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment?
You can consider seeing a women's health or pelvic health physiotherapist from around six weeks after birth, or earlier if you have specific concerns and your healthcare provider recommends an assessment. You do not need to wait until your six-week GP check if you are experiencing symptoms you would like help with.
A postnatal assessment can be beneficial whether you are recovering from a straightforward birth or experiencing issues such as urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, abdominal separation or discomfort during movement.
Even if you feel well, an assessment can help you understand your body's recovery and prepare for a safe return to exercise, running, lifting and other physical activities.
Discussing Your Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery
Your appointment will generally begin with a conversation about your pregnancy, birth experience and current recovery. Your physiotherapist will ask about whether you had a vaginal birth or caesarean section, any complications, your previous exercise routine and how you are managing daily activities.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss any symptoms or concerns, including:
Urinary leakage when coughing, sneezing or exercising.
Pelvic pressure, heaviness or a sensation of bulging.
Abdominal discomfort or concerns about abdominal muscle separation.
Lower back, hip or pelvic pain.
Pain or discomfort around your perineum or caesarean scar.
Difficulty returning to exercise or lifting your baby comfortably.
This discussion helps your physiotherapist understand your individual needs and establish realistic recovery goals.
Assessing Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. Pregnancy and childbirth can affect their strength, coordination, endurance and ability to relax.
Your physiotherapist may discuss how these muscles function and assess whether you can contract and relax them effectively. This is important because pelvic floor rehabilitation is not simply about strengthening; some people may benefit from learning to relax their muscles or improve coordination instead.
With your informed consent, a pelvic floor assessment may involve an internal vaginal examination to evaluate muscle strength, endurance, coordination and tenderness. This is optional, and your physiotherapist should explain the procedure, its purpose and any alternatives before proceeding. You can decline an internal examination or ask to stop at any time.
If an internal examination is not appropriate or you prefer not to have one, your physiotherapist can discuss other assessment options.
Checking Your Abdominal Muscles and Core Function
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall, and some women experience separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly called diastasis recti.
Your physiotherapist may assess your abdominal wall, including the separation, tension and function of the connective tissue between the muscles. They may also observe how your core muscles work during breathing, gentle abdominal activation and functional movements.
The aim is to understand how well your abdominal muscles manage pressure and support your body during everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, lifting your baby and returning to exercise.
Assessing Movement, Posture and Strength
Your assessment may also include looking at your posture, breathing patterns, hip and back mobility, and overall strength. Your physiotherapist may observe movements such as squatting, bending, lifting or balancing, depending on your symptoms and recovery stage.
This helps identify areas where you may need additional support and informs recommendations for gradually rebuilding strength and confidence.
Your assessment will be tailored to your circumstances, so you will not necessarily need to complete every test.
Receiving Your Personalised Recovery Plan
At the end of your appointment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and work with you to develop a plan suited to your needs and goals.
This may include pelvic floor exercises, breathing techniques, abdominal rehabilitation, scar management where appropriate, advice about managing symptoms and a graduated return-to-exercise program.
You may also receive guidance on lifting, everyday movements and progressing activities without placing excessive demands on your recovering body. Follow-up appointments can help monitor progress and adjust your program as your strength and function improve.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
You do not need to do anything special before your assessment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, and consider bringing a list of symptoms or questions you would like to discuss. You can also absolutely bring your baby!
Most importantly, remember that every postnatal recovery is different. There is no single timeline for regaining strength or returning to exercise.
Take the Next Step in Your Postnatal Recovery
A postnatal physiotherapy assessment is an opportunity to understand your body's needs, address concerns early and receive practical guidance for recovery. Whether you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms or simply want reassurance before returning to exercise, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help you work towards your goals safely and confidently.