Do you need a referral for postnatal physiotherapy?

Postnatal physiotherapy can assess recovery after pregnancy and birth, including pelvic-floor weakness, leaking urine, pelvic or back discomfort, abdominal muscle separation, scar-related tightness, and difficulty returning to movement. Some clinics accept self-referrals, while others ask for a referral from a family doctor, obstetrician, midwife, or another clinician. A referral can also help communicate your birth history, medical conditions, medicines, and any examination findings.

You do not have to wait for severe symptoms before asking about an assessment. The physiotherapist may discuss your goals, examine movement and relevant muscles with your consent, and suggest exercises or other rehabilitation steps suited to your recovery.

Contact the clinic and ask whether it accepts self-referrals, whether a specific clinician must refer you, and what records to bring. Tell the booking team how long it has been since birth, whether you had a vaginal or caesarean birth, and whether you have pain, bleeding, fever, wound concerns, or bladder or bowel changes.

For the appointment, note when symptoms began, what activities make them worse, and any birth complications or previous pelvic-floor treatment. Wear comfortable clothing. You can ask for an explanation before any internal assessment and can decline or pause an examination.

Arrange urgent medical advice for heavy or worsening bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, a painful swollen leg, or a wound that is opening or producing concerning discharge. These symptoms need medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine physiotherapy visit.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team soon if you have new loss of bladder or bowel control, inability to pass urine, worsening pain, or a bulge or pressure sensation. Physiotherapy may be part of care, but the underlying problem should be assessed first.

Ask: Do I need a referral for this clinic? Is my current pain or leaking suitable for physiotherapy now? Do I need an examination for another cause first? Which activities should I modify while recovering? What warning signs should prompt a review?