You have taken care of yourself to deliver your baby. Now, let’s talk about how to take care of you! Your body has changed over the last 9 months and will continue to change over the next 6-18 months. While many physical changes are very common after pregnancy and delivery (for example, leaking urine), they are not normal and you do not have to live with them! Urinary incontinence (leaking urine for any reason) is considered normal for 2 weeks after delivery, as well as some pelvic heaviness and pressure (prolapse).These symptoms should progressively improve over the first 2-3 weeks postpartum.
If these problems persist after 2 weeks, a physical therapist can help with exercises and lifestyle/behavioral modifications to reduce and potentially reverse your issues. They can also help with the aches and pains associated with childcare activities including: neck and back pain, wrist and hand pain, impaired posture, and/or numbness and tingling in arms, legs, or pelvic area. Other issues that can occur are diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscle) and pelvic pain with vaginal penetration (sex, speculum exam by your doctor, tampon use when your menstrual cycle resumes). It is important to address these symptoms early so you may return to your previous activity level and care for your baby without interference or pain.
** A Women’s health physical therapist (WHPT) is a licensed clinician trained to evaluate and treat neuromuscular condition, including those related to pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic pain. We commit ourselves to learning and caring for women in all phases of life.**
Written by Women’s Health Physical Therapist: Dr. Emily Davenport, PT, DPT, WCS, & Jenny LaCross, PT, DPT, PhD(c), WCS, ATC, CLT-LANA
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