Physiotherapy

Becoming a mum changes everything—your routines, your sleep, your identity, your relationships, and yes, your body. While some early discomfort can be expected, ongoing pelvic pain is not something you have to accept as your “new normal.”

I see mums every single week who tell me they thought their pain was “just part of having a baby,” and they often wait months – sometimes even years – before seeking help. If that’s you—you are not alone, and you absolutely deserve support.

This guide will help you understand why postnatal pelvic pain happens, what signs to look out for, and how targeted women’s health physiotherapy can help you move, hold, lift, feed and live more comfortably again.

Why Pelvic Pain Happens After Birth

Your postnatal body has undergone enormous physical, hormonal and emotional changes. Common contributors include:

• Pelvic floor muscle trauma, tension or overactivity
  • Perineal stitches, tearing or scarring
  • Caesarean scar sensitivity or adhesions
  • Coccyx or pubic bone trauma
  • Postural changes from feeding, carrying and lifting
  • Core and glute weakness reducing support
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Sleep deprivation, stress and nervous system sensitivity

None of these mean something is “wrong.” They simply mean your body needs calm, specific, early support.

Signs and Symptoms You Don’t Need to Ignore

You may benefit from assessment if you notice:

• Pelvic, vaginal or perineal pain
  • Tailbone or pubic bone aching
  • Pain with sitting, walking, rolling out of bed or lifting your baby
  • Pain with sex (early or persistent)
  • Abdominal pulling or C-section scar discomfort
  • Hip, groin or lower back pain
  • Sharp, burning or dragging sensations
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
  • Constipation or straining
  • Heaviness or pressure (possible pelvic floor or prolapse signs)

Common does not mean normal. These are signs your body is asking for support—not signs to push through.

How Women’s Health Physiotherapy Helps

A personalised assessment allows us to understand why your symptoms are occurring and how best to support your daily movements as a mum.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle pelvic floor release or strengthening
  • Core and postural muscle retraining
  • Early, safe abdominal wall activation
  • Education and early intervention for DRAM (abdominal separation)
  • Perineal or C-section scar mobilisation
  • Guidance on bowel health and constipation prevention
  • Feeding, carrying and lifting strategies that protect your body
  • Nervous system down-training and pain-science education
  • A realistic, structured rehab plan that fits your life and fatigue levels

Most mums feel clearer, calmer and more confident after receiving this support.

When to Seek Help

Reach out if:

• Pain isn’t improving within 6–8 weeks
  • Sex is painful or uncomfortable
  • You return to exercise and symptoms flare
  • You feel heaviness or dragging
  • Your bladder or bowel habits have changed
  • Constipation or straining is ongoing
  • You feel unsure about what is normal

There is no threshold you must reach before asking for help. Your comfort matters.

Updated Recommendation: Postnatal Review at 3 Weeks

We now recommend a pelvic floor, abdominal wall and prolapse screening review at three weeks postnatally, rather than waiting until six weeks. This appointment is gentle, calm and supportive—and it allows us to intervene during the most important period of tissue healing.

At this session we can:

• Assess pelvic floor and scar healing
  •Screen for early pelvic floor or prolapse concerns
  • Identify tension, swelling or discomfort early
  • Beginsafe early activation of your abdominal wall and postural muscles
  • Assess abdominal separation (DRAM) and begin early intervention
  • Support feeding, carrying and lifting positions to reduce strain
  • Guide bowel habits and help prevent or manage constipation
  • Build confidence in your bladder, bowel and movement routines

Early abdominal activation, early DRAM support, pelvic floor and prolapse screening, and bowel care consistently lead to better long-term pelvic and core outcomes.

A 3-week appointment is not about “doing too much too soon.” It’s about reassurance, clarity and giving your body the guidance it deserves.

You Deserve to Feel Comfortable in Your Body Again

Pelvic pain is highly treatable. With the right support, your recovery can feel calmer, gentler and far less overwhelming.

If you’re experiencing pain—or simply want a plan to support your postnatal recovery—

Book your postnatal pelvic health assessment today.

Let’s help you feel strong, confident and at home in your body again.

Contact & Follow

Alison Jeffrey – The Pelvic Health Collective
Email: alison@chevronislandphysio.com.au
Phone: 5504 7000
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Follow for daily pelvic health education:
Instagram: @thepelvichealthcollective_au