Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a Cesarean section, your postpartum visit is an important opportunity to discuss your recovery. While every person’s experience is different, many women leave their appointment wishing they had asked more questions. Here are several topics worth discussing with your provider at your visit.
1. How is my abdominal wall healing, and do I have any diastasis recti (abdominal separation)?
Pregnancy naturally stretches the abdominal wall, and many women experience diastasis recti
after delivery. Ask your provider whether they notice a separation that is not “within normal
limits” and whether additional rehabilitation, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, may be
appropriate.
2. Am I medically cleared to return to exercise?
Receiving clearance to exercise doesn’t necessarily mean your body is ready for high-impact
activities, running, or heavy lifting. Ask what activities are appropriate at your stage of recovery
and whether there are any restrictions you should follow.
3. Am I medically cleared to resume sexual intercourse?
Healing timelines vary. If you have concerns about pain, dryness, fear, or discomfort, bring them
up during your visit. These symptoms are common, but they are not something you simply have
to accept.
If You Had a Cesarean Delivery
4. How is my incision healing?
Ask whether your incision is healing as expected and whether there are any concerns about
scar mobility, sensitivity, or infection. If your scar feels tight, painful, or limits movement after
healing, pelvic floor physical therapy may also help improve scar mobility and teach you
techniques you can do safely at home if comfortable
If You Had a Vaginal Delivery
5. How are my tears or stitches healing?
If you experienced a tear or episiotomy, ask whether your tissues are healing appropriately and
if there are any precautions you should continue following.
6. Is there any concern for pelvic organ prolapse?
If you’re experiencing vaginal heaviness, pressure, or a bulging sensation, mention these
symptoms to your provider. An evaluation can help determine whether prolapse may be
contributing to your symptoms.
Bladder Questions
7. I have noticed (see symptoms below), what are the best next steps to address this issue?
â—Ź I constantly feel like I need to rush to the bathroom
â—Ź I don’t feel like I’m emptying my bladder completely
â—Ź Urination is painful or uncomfortable
â—Ź I’m leaking urine when I cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
These symptoms are common after childbirth, but they deserve evaluation. If the OB/GYN does
not feel a referral to a urogynecologist or urologist is warranted, then ask for a referral to pelvic
floor physical therapy. You will be educated on ways to improve your general bladder habits and
have more guidance on ways to address these concerns more specifically
Bowel Questions
8. I have noticed (see symptoms below), what are the best next steps to address this issue?
â—Ź I’m experiencing constipation
â—Ź I have pain during bowel movements
â—Ź I need to strain to have a bowel movement
â—Ź I feel like I cannot completely empty my bowels
These symptoms are common after childbirth, but they deserve evaluation. Just like symptoms
related to your bladder help, pelvic floor physical therapy can provide appropriate education to
address these concerns more specifically
Remember…
Your postpartum checkup is designed to evaluate your medical recovery after childbirth. Whileyour OB/GYN can assess healing and determine when it’s medically safe to resume certain activities, they may also recommend pelvic floor physical therapy if you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms or need additional support.
If you’re experiencing urinary leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, abdominal weakness, pressure, painful intercourse, or difficulty returning to exercise, know that these concerns are common—but they are treatable. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe to seek help.
Every postpartum visit is different, and there is often a lot to discuss in a limited amount of time.If you leave your appointment with additional questions or would like more guidance on safely returning to exercise, managing symptoms, or understanding your recovery, ask your provider ifa referral to pelvic floor physical therapy is appropriate for you.
Looking to optimize your well being with pelvic floor physical therapy? Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at [email protected]. We are in-network with several insurance plans and can help you confirm your benefits before your evaluation.