A pelvic floor check is best done in the second trimester, but it’s never too late. If you don’t want to or can’t have an internal, real-time ultrasound is an option—just specify this when you book.

If we do a manual exam, we will not use a speculum and we don’t assess your cervix. It’s perfectly safe unless you’ve been instructed otherwise by your health provider.

We may ask you to tighten the muscles, relax the muscles, and mimic ‘pushing’ for birth, and then coach you on anything else we feel we can help you with.

We can also check your abs and address any other issues you may be having. 

This stage is all about you and baby. We recommend focussing on fluids, nutrition, rest, support, and movement within your comfort zone. 

There’s lots of sitting, so be mindful of your ergonomics and use supports that help you relax. Try and bring baby to you, rather than slouching down to reach baby. Back stretches can be great to unwind the stiffness from all the feeding and holding, and they can also help take pressure off your recovering abs and pelvis. 

Pelvic floor exercises are great at this stage for circulation and healing in the perineum. 

Be mindful of how you’re feeling and reach out if you’re feeling anxious, or low. New parent anxiety is normal! Postpartum anxiety and depression occur in 1/5 of new parents and are massively underdiagnosed, so talk to your health providers if you’re not feeling great. 

If you have any issues, call us and we can do a quick virtual check-in to provide guidance and save you a trip to the clinic.

Generally, it takes 6-8 weeks before you’re healed enough to have an internal exam, so that’s why we suggest this time frame. But if you need help earlier, don’t hesitate to reach out for an in-person or virtual check-in.

Note that this check does not have to include an internal exam. Education and postural work can help address any symptoms you might be experiencing, and our real-time ultrasound machine can also help us look at pelvic floor movement from the outside.

Another important note: if you are still having symptoms at 8 weeks, come in and see us. We know from the research that that’s something that needs addressing rather than something time will heal.

No matter where you’re at, we will make a plan together to address any symptoms and strategize how to get you back to where you want to be in your body. 

Our movement school is an online group series designed to bridge the gap between physio and exercise out in the community. 

Our clinical pilates with a physio support worker is 1:1 addressing any subtle nuance you may need to work on, and can be tailored more towards your goals. This is offered in person in our movement space or as a virtual option.