What happens before postnatal physiotherapy?

You may discuss pelvic or abdominal pain, bladder or bowel changes, vaginal or caesarean healing, scar sensitivity, back discomfort, separation of the abdominal muscles, and difficulty returning to movement. The clinician also asks about sleep, lifting, feeding positions, and activities that feel difficult.

The examination may include posture, breathing, movement, abdominal function, and pelvic-floor coordination. An internal examination is not automatic; it should be explained and agreed to, and it may be deferred while tissues are healing or if you do not want it.

Write down symptoms, triggers, bladder or bowel concerns, and your recovery goals. Bring relevant discharge information and a list of medicines. Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, and tell the physiotherapist about stitches, a scar, bleeding, or any restriction given after birth.

You do not need to prove fitness before the visit. The appointment is used to set a graded plan, which may begin with breathing, gentle movement, positioning, or pelvic-floor awareness rather than strenuous exercise.

Contact your maternity team promptly for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening wound pain, pus or spreading redness, severe headache with vision changes, chest pain, breathlessness, or one-sided leg swelling. These warning signs require medical assessment and should not wait for a routine physiotherapy session.

Ask whether physiotherapy is appropriate at your stage of recovery, which movements to avoid, how a caesarean scar or pelvic-floor symptoms will be handled, and how progress will be monitored. Ask when to contact the maternity team instead of the physiotherapist.