10 March 2026
Postpartum Recovery: Caring for Your Pelvic Floor After Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on your pelvic floor. Here's what you need to know about recovery.
Why Postpartum Pelvic Care Matters
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles stretch and weaken to accommodate your growing baby. Vaginal delivery further stretches these muscles, and even caesarean births affect pelvic floor function due to pregnancy hormones and the weight of carrying your baby.
The First 6 Weeks
In the immediate postpartum period, focus on: - Rest and gentle movement - Avoiding heavy lifting - Starting gentle pelvic floor contractions when comfortable - Seeking help if you experience significant pain or incontinence
Returning to Exercise
Don't rush back to high-impact exercise. Your body needs time to heal. A pelvic floor assessment around 6-8 weeks postpartum can help guide your return to activity.
When to Seek Help
Consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist if you: - Have ongoing incontinence beyond 6 weeks - Feel heaviness or bulging in your vagina - Experience pain with intercourse - Have difficulty activating your pelvic floor muscles