FOR MOST, IF NOT ALL WOMEN, THE FOURTH TRIMESTER IS FULL OF UNKNOWNS.
Yet, it is a critical transition period of life. Your body has gone through multiple changes, you are learning to manage life with a new child, wanting to get your body back, but unsure of where to start. Yet, you don’t have a follow-up with your OBGYN for 6 weeks. Pelvic health physical therapists have a solution for you!
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has a set of guidelines for optimizing post-partum care. In these guidelines, it states that women should have contact with a maternal care provider within 3 weeks of delivery and should follow up with a comprehensive postpartum visit within 3 months after delivery. It also states that physical therapy is a component of postpartum care for physical recovery from birth. What better way to start your fourth trimester with a 3-week postpartum assessment with a physical therapist who is specialty trained in maternal care.
What to expect at 3-week postpartum physical therapy assessment?
Pelvic Floor Screening questions
We want to know if you are experiencing any pain including but not limited to the lower back, abdomen, hips, and pelvis. We also will ask about what activities are causing your pain. Urine leakage, regularity of bowel movements, pelvic pressure, or heaviness are all topics we will ask about.
Functional Movement Screen
We look at squatting and lifting mechanics. We will also look at singe leg stance and spinal mobility. This gives us an overview of how well you are moving postpartum.
Posture Assessment
We look at posture in both a seated and standing position.
Breathing Mechanics
Believe it or not, breathing mechanics can be significantly altered throughout pregnancy and need to be addressed postpartum.
Diastasis Recti Assessment
Diastasis recti is the natural separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy. We will assess your diastasis recti width and the tension you hold throughout your abdominal muscles.
Abdominal Wall
We will assess your abdominal wall for any restrictions, tension, and pain. If you had a cesarean delivery, we would also assess your scar mobility.
As pelvic health physical therapists, we want nothing more than for you to succeed during the fourth trimesters. We can help you safely restore your body, progress your postpartum fitness goals, and allow you to say, “take time for ME at week 3”.