Why the 6 week postnatal check is not enough

This is a multi faceted question which will be answered differently by many women’s health professionals who know much more can be done at this pivotal point in a woman’s life. We will focus on the return to exercise side of it.

So you see your GP or OB at 6 weeks, they ask you what birth control you want, they might check your stitches/c-section wound, maybe ask a general ‘are you ok?’, tell you you are fine to start exercising as its 6 weeks already and send you off on your way.

Why is this not enough in regard to return to exercise?

- No pelvic floor screening has been completed. Some women are not even aware the symptoms they experiencing are not normal or could be changed/eliminated!

- No internal assessment has been completed (if warranted) which can give a good indication of the level and intensity a woman should begin exercising.

- Returning to exercise for one person could be Cross Fit and the other it might be walking or yoga, very different forms of exercise with very different intensities, different stresses placed on overall body function and strength and different pressures on pelvic floor or wound. So a general clearance to begin exercise might be ok for one and not for the next.

- Generally little discussion around the increased requirements needed for breastfeeding and the potential for exercise to furthermore increase those needs (like water, iron, calories).

- Minimal discussion on a ‘graded return’ to exercise - remember your body hasn’t done this non pregnant for a while and is still recovering from birth.

We could go on and on. We know health services and time available are limited, so educating yourself on asking these types of questions can make such a difference in your recovery and postpartum experience.

On your discussion list you can ask about care plans to get rebates services with allied health professionals such as exercise physiologist, physiotherapists, chiropractors and dieticians.

If your care provider is not sure, reach out to us, we can help you at the 6 week mark with return to exercise assessments and graded exercise programs to help you return to exercise safely, effectively and confidently