Post-natal Mummy MOT

Conditions we treat

Postnatal Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation:

Postnatal Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation:

Postnatal rehabilitation, also known as postpartum rehabilitation is a specifically designed program that includes a combination of exercises to support new moms in recovering from the physical strains of post-pregnancy whether it is vaginal or cesarean. 

It focuses on resolving a range of problems through postnatal physiotherapy that could come up during the postpartum phase. These problems may include weaker core muscles, pelvic floor problems, Incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, difficulty during sexual intercourse, diastasis recti, and low back or neck pain.

How Does Pregnancy and Childbirth Affect My Body?

The effects of pregnancy and childbirth are significant on the body. Here’s what to expect:

  • Hormonal changes: While preparing for childbirth, hormones such as relaxing cause joints and ligaments to loosen. These changes result in back pain and joint instability
  • Musculoskeletal strain: As the baby grows, the muscles in the hip, back, and pelvic floor start to strain which leads to pain and discomfort.
  • Urinary or Bowel Incontinence: Pregnancy and childbirth weaken the pelvic floor muscles which can cause unintentional urinary or bowel leakage. 
  • Diastatis Recti: As the baby grows, the two muscles going down through the center of your stomach separate, resulting in pelvic floor weakness which causes pain and discomfort.

How Does Pregnancy and Childbirth Affect My Body?

The effects of pregnancy and childbirth are significant on the body. Here’s what to expect:

  • Hormonal changes: While preparing for childbirth, hormones such as relaxing cause joints and ligaments to loosen. These changes result in back pain and joint instability. 
  • Musculoskeletal strain: As the baby grows, the muscles in the hip, back, and pelvic floor start to strain which leads to pain and discomfort.
  • Urinary or Bowel Incontinence: Pregnancy and childbirth weaken the pelvic floor muscles which can cause unintentional urinary or bowel leakage. 
  • Diastatis Recti: As the baby grows, the two muscles going down through the center of your stomach separate, resulting in pelvic floor weakness which causes pain and discomfort.

The effects of pregnancy and childbirth are significant on the body. Here’s what to expect:

  • Hormonal changes: While preparing for childbirth, hormones such as relaxing cause joints and ligaments to loosen. These changes result in back pain and joint instability. 
  • Musculoskeletal strain: As the baby grows, the muscles in the hip, back, and pelvic floor start to strain which leads to pain and discomfort.
  • Urinary or Bowel Incontinence: Pregnancy and childbirth weaken the pelvic floor muscles which can cause unintentional urinary or bowel leakage. 
  • Diastatis Recti: As the baby grows, the two muscles going down through the center of your stomach separate, resulting in pelvic floor weakness which causes pain and discomfort.

Vaginal Delivery

Vaginal Delivery

Vaginal delivery is a natural and the most common form of childbirth, in which the baby passes out of the mother’s body through the birth canal(vagina). The cervix thins and widens during labor, enabling the baby’s head to descend. Through a series of several contractions and pushing motions the baby is expelled out of the mother’s body.

During a vaginal delivery, ligaments, surrounding tissues, and pelvic floor muscles are all stretched and strained. Postnatal physio can be extremely helpful for women in recovering from potential problems like discomfort, scar tissue, weak pelvic floor muscles, and pain.

It is a surgical procedure in which the mother’s belly and uterus are cut open to deliver the baby. Compared to vaginal delivery it usually takes a longer period to recover. This method is usually used when vaginal delivery is considered risky for both mother and child.

Postnatal physiotherapy can be very beneficial after cesarean section. It helps mothers in scar tissue management, restoring core strength, c-section diastasis, and taking care of any persistent pelvic floor problems.

Abdominal muscle separation, also known as diastasis recti, is a common condition that many women experience after giving birth. It happens when the pressure from the expanding uterus causes the rectus abdominus muscles to separate. These are the 6-packs muscles that run down the front of your belly. Diastasis recti is not usually harmful, it may increase postnatal backpain, cause weakness in the core, and make it difficult to have a flat stomach again.

These are the most severe forms of tears that can occur during vaginal birth. These tears involve the skin between the vagina and the rectum. In third-degree, the tear extends to the muscles surrounding the anal sphincter. Whereas, fourth degree tear entirely passes through the anal sphincter into the lining or rectum. 

Post pregnancy physiotherapy plays an important role in healing from these tears. A skilled maternity physiotherapist can assist in the pain management and healing process. Through specific exercise programs, they can help in restoring strength and function to the anal sphincter muscles. 

Many women struggle with their pelvic floor, bladder, and bowel control after childbirth. This can involve the uncontrolled release of urine (incontinence) or fecal incontinence (stool leakage), which can be triggered by sneezing, laughing, coughing, or rapid movements. In addition, some women may have a vaginal bulge, which is a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the pelvic floor weakens and organs descend as a result.

Pelvic floor exercises after birth can help you manage these symptoms effectively. Following a specifically designed exercise plan, you can strengthen your pelvic floor and manage your bowel movements and improve urinary and vaginal disorders.

Inconsistency is a common problem in pregnant women which occurs due to pressure on pelvic floor muscles. You are more likely to have inconsistency after childbirth if you had it during pregnancy as it weakens the pelvic floor. However, it is a temporary condition and can be easily treated by doing pelvic floor exercises after birth.

Pelvic floor exercises after birth, also known as Kegels, play a vital role in strengthening pelvic muscles. To optimize the benefits of these exercises, a postnatal physiotherapist can instruct you on how to perform them correctly.

Here is a quick guide to performing kegel exercises:

  • Let your thighs, buttocks, chest, and abdomen relax. 
  • Tighten your pelvic floor muscles as if you are trying to control peeing and hold for five to ten seconds.
  • Now relax your muscles and rest for five to ten seconds.
  • Repeat this ten times, doing three sets per day.

While these exercises are beneficial, they are not a permanent solution. After a complete assessment, a postnatal physio will design a customized exercise plan according to your specific needs and conditions.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects new mothers after childbirth. It occurs due to the increased pressure in the meridian nerve of the wrist which can be caused by holding and lifting the baby repetitively. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, pins and needles sensation, and pain in your fingers, hands, and arms.

Postnatal physiotherapists can use techniques like manual therapies and other specific exercises to reduce pain and inflammation. They may also teach you techniques and positions to breastfeed and hold the baby to avoid any further strain.

The term “Prolapse” refers to the condition in which one or more pelvic organs slide down into the vaginal opening from their natural position. It can be the uterus, bladder, bowel, or top of the vagina. This condition is not life-threatening but can be painful and discomforting. Postnatal physiotherapy can help control and prevent prolapse by using core and pelvic floor strengthening exercises.

What Happens At a Postnatal Physio Appointment?

Your GP will conduct a detailed assessment of your pregnancy, delivery, or any physical challenges you are currently facing after childbirth. The appointment further includes:

  • Pelvic floor assessment
  • Prolapse assessment
  • Bladder and bowel function
  • A musculoskeletal assessment to check for pain and posture
  • Exercise programs including manual therapy and targeted exercises
  • Birth control advice

Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will go over any problems or conclusions with you so that you know what your current physical situation is. The next phase is to look over your rehabilitation plan and schedule so you know what to look forward to.

Postnatal Exercises:

Exercise can be beneficial for recovering from childbirth. But it’s important to pay attention to your body and increase your activity levels gradually. Based on your specific requirements and fitness level, a postnatal physiotherapist can create an exercise program that is safe and effective for you. This program may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • Core strengthening exercises
  • Stretching exercises
  • Gentle aerobics workouts

It is recommended to always get advice from your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program after giving birth.

Benefits of Postanal Physiotherapy

Postnatal physiotherapy offers a wide range of physical benefits such as:

  • Fast and effective recovery
  • Reduced musculoskeletal pain
  • Reduced postnatal backpain
  • Regain strength and control
  • Prevent urinary and fecal incontinence
  • Help prevent diastasis Recti pelvic organ prolapse

Expert Advice

At Prime Physio Care Clinic, our expert postnatal physiotherapist advises that early consultation with a qualified specialist can considerably improve your rehabilitation and prevent future complications. Don’t delay and give your health top priority to ensure an easier journey to motherhood.

PPC Postnatal Experts

At Prime Physio Care Clinic, we understand the sensitive nature of concerns about women’s health after childbirth and its challenges. We also know the importance of providing a quiet, calm, and confidential setting where women can seek guidance and care.

At our clinic, we have a dedicated team of postnatal physiotherapists who assist you as you begin your postpartum recovery journey. We realize that every new mother has unique demands so we create customized plans that are aimed at restoring your body’s health and function.

FAQs:

If you experience any severe or persistent symptoms, such as fever, intense pain, excessive bleeding, or infection-related indications you should not ignore and notify your healthcare professional right away.

555 is the guideline for the first 15 days of postpartum. It suggests:

  • 5 days in the bed: Rest and recover
  • 5 days on the bed: gradually increase activity level
  • 5 days near the bed: start short walks and light activities

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form. It includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

There isn’t a time limit. Observe your body and follow your physician’s advice. Once you feel comfortable, and as long as there are no issues, you can go outside for walks.

For the majority of women, yes. Exercises for the pelvic floor muscles and alterations to lifestyle can help the bladder to return to normal function.

Frequent urination is common after giving birth due to the uterus contracting back to its usual size and increased blood flow to the pelvic area.

A sudden urge to urinate, even when there isn’t much urine in the bladder, is an indication of an overactive bladder. Pelvic floor exercises after birth can help you manage this issue.

The duration varies. Some women have transient incontinence, which can be resolved with pelvic floor exercises. Others might require expert pregnancy physiotherapy assistance.

Incontinence may result from the pelvic floor muscles becoming weaker during pregnancy. However, it doesn’t damage the bladder directly.

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can result in incomplete bladder emptying. Exercises for the pelvic floor can help to strengthen these muscles while improving bladder outflow.

The best method for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is to perform pelvic exercises known as Kegels. Consult your GP before starting any exercise.

Mummy MOT Checkup

Mummy MOT is a postnatal examination which is suitable for all women who have given birth and are dealing with postpartum issues, such as:

It is performed by a qualified postnatal physiotherapist who carries out a detailed physical examination which includes your core strength and coordination, pelvic floor function, posture imbalances, or any scar tissues(if applicable). Your therapist will also discuss in detail your medical history and current condition according to which he will develop a customized plan to meet your specific needs.

Postnatal Checkup

A postnatal checkup is usually performed by your GP around 6-8 weeks after delivery. It is an important routine examination in which your doctor ensures that you and your baby are recovering after childbirth. 

Even if you’re feeling well, attending all of your postpartum appointments is very important. This allows you to talk to your medical professionals about any worries you may have, enabling them to treat you and search for early indicators of significant health issues that could lead to long-term complications.

Feel your best as a New Mom with Postnatal Physiotherapy!

Regain your strength and confidence with our postnatal rehabilitation. Schedule your consultation today at Prime Physio Care Clinic to get expert help with postnatal concerns.

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