Why You Should Schedule a Postpartum Pelvic Physical Therapy Check-Up
After giving birth, most new parents are told to schedule a 6-week postpartum visit with their OB-GYN or midwife. This visit is important—but it often focuses on medical clearance rather than how your body is functioning day to day.
That’s where a postpartum pelvic physical therapy check-up comes in.
What Is a Postpartum Pelvic PT Check-Up?
A postpartum pelvic physical therapy check-up is a comprehensive assessment of how your body is healing and adapting after pregnancy and birth. It’s appropriate after vaginal or cesarean delivery and can be helpful whether you’re 6 weeks postpartum or several months (or even years) out.
Think of it as a movement- and function-based evaluation of the muscles, joints, and tissues that worked incredibly hard during pregnancy and delivery—especially your pelvic floor and core.
Why Isn’t This Automatically Part of Postpartum Care?
In many countries outside the U.S., postpartum pelvic PT is standard care. Here, it’s often only recommended if symptoms are severe. Unfortunately, that means many people are told things like:
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“Leakage is normal after having a baby.”
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“Pain with sex will improve eventually.”
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“Just give your body time.”
While healing does take time, ongoing symptoms are not something you have to just live with.
What Does a Postpartum Pelvic PT Visit Include?
Your pelvic PT check-up is always tailored to you, but typically includes:
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Pelvic floor muscle assessment (strength, coordination, endurance—not just “Kegels”)
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Core and abdominal evaluation, including screening for diastasis recti
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C-section or perineal scar assessment, if applicable
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Hip, back, and pelvic alignment screening
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Breathing and pressure management
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Posture and movement analysis for daily tasks like lifting, feeding, and carrying your baby
Internal exams are never mandatory and are only done with your full consent.
Common Reasons People Schedule a Postpartum Pelvic PT Check-Up
You do not need to be in severe pain to benefit. Many people come in for:
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Leaking urine or gas
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Pelvic pressure or heaviness
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Pain with sex or tampon use
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Low back, hip, or tailbone pain
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C-section discomfort or numbness
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Abdominal weakness or “coning”
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Difficulty returning to exercise or running
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Wanting reassurance they’re healing well
And some come simply to say:
“I want to make sure my body is functioning the way it should.”
That’s a great reason too.
When Should You Come In?
Most people can start pelvic physical therapy around 6 weeks postpartum, once cleared by their medical provider. However, earlier visits may be appropriate in some cases, and it’s never “too late” to be seen—even years after delivery.
Is Pelvic PT Only for People With Problems?
Not at all.
A postpartum pelvic PT check-up can be preventive, helping you:
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Learn how to safely rebuild strength
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Reduce risk of future pelvic floor issues
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Return to exercise with confidence
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Understand what’s normal vs. what’s not
Your body went through a major transformation. It deserves thoughtful, individualized care—not guesswork.
The Bottom Line
A postpartum pelvic physical therapy check-up isn’t about fixing something that’s “wrong.”
It’s about supporting healing, restoring function, and helping you feel confident in your body again.
If you’re postpartum and wondering whether pelvic PT could help you—chances are, it can.
