✨3 things to check when you go back to the gym after labor✨

1️⃣ Heaviness/pressure-like feeling around your vulva area

🔸After labor, especially for breastfeeding moms, connective tissues that support your organs are not as stable as they were pre-pregnancy. When we start to lift heavy or challenge our core stability more than our tissues can handle, there is a risk of developing organ prolapse.

2️⃣ Conning at your central abdominal line can indicate diastasis recti

🔸During the third trimester, having conning is normal but after labor, if you are still seeing conning when you do any core exercises and/or weight lifting movements then you might have developed diastasis recti.

3️⃣ Leakage during high-impact activities

🔸When doing exercises such as box jumps, double unders, and running if there is leakage, this can indicate stress urine incontinence.
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If you notice these symptoms when you are at the gym, please reach out to a Pelvic Floor PT for an assessment to see whether you have a pelvic floor dysfunction

Why Your 6 Weeks Postpartum Check-up Should Also Be Performed By A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

What I experienced at my 6 weeks postpartum check-up

At my 6 weeks postpartum check-up, my OB did not assess my pelvic floor strength, organ prolapse, diastasis recti, etc. She only checked my scar tissue and cervix. I even specifically asked her to check me for organ prolapse but she didn’t. She only said everything looks like it's healing well and I should be fine.

I went back to my first CrossFit class that Monday. My body definitely does not feel the same even though I did my breathing and pelvic floor engagement exercises in combination with other movements.

9 months of pregnancy changes our body structure, movements, and proprioception. Your body won’t be back to normal in 6 weeks. Having a check-up with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you understand where you are physically.

You will have a better understanding of which areas you need to work on and the process of getting back to the things you love to do prior to pregnancy.