6 weeks postpartum

Why Every Woman Should See a Pelvic Health Therapist at 6 Weeks Postpartum

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or C-section, your body has undergone significant changes. A pelvic health physical therapist is the expert you need to see for proper recovery.

During pregnancy, your body experiences various changes. Joints in your feet, knees, and ankles loosen, nerves may get pinched, and blood circulation is affected. Even your respiratory system can change—who hasn’t had a runny nose in the first trimester?

One of the biggest changes happens in your abdominal wall and pelvic diaphragm. The rectus abdominis and obliques stretch as the baby grows, which can cause weakness in the front and back of your body. For months, you may be unable to lie on your back or stomach, which weakens your abdominal muscles and erector spinae. These muscles are essential for posture and movement, and if they’re not engaged for an extended period, they need to be retrained and strengthened.

The vagina and pelvic floor undergo significant changes during childbirth. Whether you give birth vaginally or via C-section, the pelvic diaphragm shifts, and organs like the bladder can be pushed downward, leading to incontinence during pregnancy and possibly after birth. For vaginal deliveries, tearing in the perineum requires muscle support for healing. After C-section, you may experience pelvic pain due to scarring, and still face pressure challenges that could lead to stress or urge incontinence.

These assessments are typically not conducted by your OB/GYN. While they are great at what they do, they are not movement specialists. A pelvic health physical therapist is trained to evaluate and treat your pelvic floor and musculoskeletal recovery. After your 6-week checkup, a pelvic health therapist can guide your return to exercise and help you recover fully. Seeing a therapist at this stage can make all the difference in your postpartum recovery.