Returning to Exercise Postpartum: Why a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Assessment Matters
Rebuilding After Birth
The postpartum period brings significant emotional, hormonal and physical changes, but deeply affect your health, comfort, and ability to return to activity. As you begin to consider movement or exercise after birth, it's important to approach recovery with a plan tailored to your unique experience and body.
A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, including an early telehealth check-in, provides expert guidance for a safe and supported return to movement.
Understanding Your Postpartum Body
Pregnancy and childbirth affect more than the surface. Even if your delivery was uncomplicated or via caesarean section, the pelvic floor, abdominal wall, breathing patterns, and postural control systems have all undergone change.
Common postpartum symptoms include:
Pelvic floor weakness or incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (pressure, heaviness)
Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
Low back, sacral, or pelvic pain
Uncertainty about safely returning to exercise
These are treatable concerns, and early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery trajectory.
Why Early Support Matters
Most individuals are advised to wait six weeks postpartum before resuming exercise or attending in-person physiotherapy. But the truth is, healing starts as soon as you give birth and there is lots you can do to optimise your recovery.
We recommend scheduling a brief telehealth check-in around 2–3 weeks postpartum, which can be conducted from the comfort of your own home whilst you adjust to your new routine with a newborn. This session provides an opportunity to:
Discuss your birth experience and/ or breastfeeding journey
Identify early symptoms of dysfunction such as pain, urinary leakage, heaviness, or healing concerns
Learn gentle breathing, positioning, and movement strategies
Begin early rehabilitation with simple, appropriate exercises
Understand what's normal and what warrants further attention
Even a short online appointment can help you feel more informed, supported, and confident during those early weeks of recovery.
What Is a Postpartum 6 Week Check?
An in person postpartum physiotherapy assessment is recommended at 6 weeks postpartum and is a comprehensive evaluation performed by a pelvic health physiotherapist. It typically includes:
Review of symptoms and functional concerns (e.g., lifting, walking, core strength)
Assessment of breathing mechanics, posture, and any aches and pains
Diagnosis of abdominal separation (DRAM) if appropriate and prescription of rehabilitative exercise
Internal pelvic floor examination (if appropriate and consented to) to assess strength, tone, and coordination
Identification of any signs of pelvic organ prolapse, muscle imbalances, or delayed healing
The goal is to provide a personalized clinical roadmap for safe return to movement, activity, and exercise.
How soon can I return to running after having a baby?
Many new mothers are eager to return to running for both physical and mental wellbeing. However, due to the significant changes in pelvic floor and core muscles, and overall musculoskeletal system during pregnancy and childbirth, running too soon can increase the risk of injury or pelvic floor dysfunction.
Current clinical guidelines recommend waiting until at least 12 weeks postpartum before resuming running or other high-impact exercise. This timeframe allows for:
Basic tissue healing
Adequate pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation
Gradual reintroduction of strength training and impact activities
That said, this is a general recommendation—not a one-size-fits-all rule. Some individuals may benefit from a longer recovery period, depending on their birth and recovery experience, previous exercise history and hormonal changes. This is where a pelvic floor physio can guide your return to exercise safely.
Who Should Book a Postpartum Physio Appointment?
Everyone can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy after birth—regardless of symptoms or delivery type. We especially recommend early support if you’ve experienced:
Instrumental birth (forceps or vacuum)
Perineal tearing or episiotomy
Cesarean delivery
Identified abdominal separation (DRAM)
Urinary or bowel symptoms
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
A desire to return to running, strength training, or sport
Even if you feel well, an early check-in followed by a comprehensive assessment around 6–8 weeks postpartum offers the best foundation for long-term recovery and performance.
It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late)
If you're still early in your recovery, don’t wait for symptoms to become serious. And if it's been months—or years—since giving birth, know that it's never too late to improve pelvic health and return to activity safely.
Book Your Postpartum Physio Support Plan
We offer both early telehealth check-ins (2–3 weeks postpartum) and comprehensive in-person pelvic floor assessments (from 6 weeks onwards) to support your recovery.
✅ To book your in-person postpartum physiotherapy appointment:
Visit our online booking portal and select Initial Postpartum Assessment at:
🔗 embracephysiopilates.com.au/book-physio
✅ To book a telehealth check-in (2–3 weeks postpartum):
Please call our reception team on 03 8506 0612, and we’ll help you find a suitable time.
Author: Jessica Adams, 2025