Postpartum Health

Not surprisingly, the orthopedic impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the female body have been equated in the research to running a marathon. These physical demands can subject women to unique problems postpartum, including prolapse, pain with intercourse, urinary incontinence, straining with bowel movements, vulvar varicosities, pelvic and spinal pain, as well as diastasis recti (yes, you’re saying it right!) 

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Frequently, postpartum women will come to us without pelvic symptoms, but with fear around how to protect their pelvic floor from injury and prolapse during exercise and play with their children after birth. Even in those without symptoms, we usually find, on assessment, mild weaknesses and issues that are easily resolved when addressed soon after birth.

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We strongly recommend an assessment to make sure you’re body is recovering well from the delivery and make sure you are on a safe path to reaching your postpartum goals. Specific interventions can address things such as education in comfortable positions, use of birth control, and appropriate use of lubrication during intercourse, as well as recommendations for a pessary as your pelvic floor is recovering from birth. Through tailored exercises and personalized strategies, IOPT works towards facilitating recovery and enhancing the overall well-being of women not just during the immediate postpartum phase but also throughout the lifespan.