Quick Links
Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible milestone, but it also places unique physical demands on your body. For many women, pregnancy and childbirth affect not only energy levels and sleep but also pelvic floor and core function. According to The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), supervised pelvic floor muscle training with a pelvic health physiotherapist can significantly reduce urinary leakage, improve prolapse symptoms, and support a safe return to exercise after birth.
Beyond the physical changes, many new mothers also experience a shift in confidence and body awareness. Activities that once felt effortless, from lifting a pram to playing sport, can suddenly feel challenging or uncomfortable. Left unaddressed, pelvic floor issues can affect daily life, limit participation in exercise, and even contribute to feelings of isolation. Addressing these changes early with the guidance of a women’s health physiotherapist not only supports physical recovery but can also restore confidence and independence.
In this article, we’ll explore why pelvic floor physio matters after childbirth, what to expect from treatment, when to seek help, how to return to movement safely, and how HIF cover can help make the journey easier.
During pregnancy, the weight of your growing baby and hormonal changes place increased pressure on your pelvic floor muscles and abdominal wall. Vaginal birth can stretch or weaken these muscles, while a caesarean section can affect core strength and stability. Without targeted rehabilitation, some women experience persistent symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, or ongoing lower back and pelvic pain.
Research from RACGP shows that up to 20 per cent of new mothers experience long-term pelvic girdle pain if early intervention is not sought. Restoring pelvic floor and deep core function is not only about comfort. It plays a vital role in long-term health, mobility, and confidence.
Postnatal physiotherapy is more than a set of exercises. According to NSW Health and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), a thorough initial assessment often includes a pelvic floor examination, screening for abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), and a functional movement assessment to identify weaknesses.
Treatment may involve:
- Supervised pelvic floor muscle training tailored to your needs
- Core reactivation and breath training
- Education on posture, lifting, and pressure management
- Gradual progression to more demanding exercise once safe
Research from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and clinical guidelines indicates that women who engage in supervised physiotherapy programs, particularly for conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction or postpartum recovery, achieve better outcomes compared to those following unsupervised exercise regimens. A study published in the International Urogynecology Journal available via National Library of Medicine found that supervised pelvic floor muscle training led to significant improvements in continence and quality of life compared to self-managed programs, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance for optimal recovery.
Our HIF Extras Cover includes physiotherapy benefits to help support your recovery. You may also be interested in our article, What is a Women’s Health Physio and What Are the Benefits?, to learn more about this specialised care.
Pelvic floor therapy is appropriate for those with low tone or high tone forms of pelvic floor dysfunction and related pelvic floor muscle pain. It is advised that you may benefit from seeing a women’s health physiotherapist if you experience any of the following:
- You may benefit from seeing a women’s health physiotherapist if you experience any of the following:
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the lower abdomen
- A noticeable vaginal bulge
- Difficulty reaching the toilet on time without leaking
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Difficulty or straining when emptying your bowels
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Changes in your pelvic region since childbirth, pregnancy, or menopause
At HIF, we believe it’s important to seek expert advice as soon as you notice changes to your pelvic health. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference to your long-term wellbeing. Depending on your level of Extras cover, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be included, helping you access the care you need with greater peace of mind.
A gradual return to activity after pregnancy supports both pelvic floor and core recovery. Following recognised guidelines from the Mayo Clinic can help reduce the risk of injury and relapse of symptoms.
- 0–3 weeks postpartum: Prioritise gentle walking, deep breathing exercises, and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). These activities promote circulation, support healing, and begin re-engaging core muscles.
- 3–8 weeks postpartum: After a clearance from your GP or women’s health physiotherapist, low-impact exercise such as stationary cycling, swimming, or Pilates may be introduced. PFMT should continue to remain a focus during this stage.
- 12–16+ weeks postpartum: Only consider high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or competitive sport after your physiotherapist confirms adequate pelvic floor strength and abdominal function. Functional testing, such as hop tests, strength assessments, and load-bearing tasks, helps ensure readiness for impact.
The HIF Health Hub has a range of useful resources to help during this time, including articles on exercise and recovery and practical tips for fuelling your body for best results.
HIF offers a range of cover options designed to support your postpartum journey. If you’re planning for the future, our Pregnancy & Birth (Hospital) Cover can give you access to private maternity services, including your choice of specialists and hospital facilities (with a 12-month waiting period).
For ongoing recovery, Extras Cover includes rebates for physiotherapy, including women’s health physio sessions that focus on pelvic floor and core rehabilitation. Selected Extras options also offer Healthy Lifestyle Benefits, which can provide rebates for approved health and wellbeing programs to help you regain strength and fitness.
Taking a few minutes to review your cover before starting a rehab plan ensures you can make the most of these benefits and gives you the confidence to focus on your recovery without financial surprises.
Recovering your pelvic floor and core strength after pregnancy takes patience, but the rewards are worth it. Early assessment from a qualified women’s health physiotherapist can make a big difference, helping you avoid setbacks and get back to the activities you enjoy.
HIF is here to help you every step of the way, whether that’s accessing physiotherapy through Extras Cover, preparing for your next pregnancy with the right hospital cover, or exploring the articles and resources in the HIF Health Hub. If you’d like to learn more about how your cover can support your recovery, get in touch with our team today.