On this webpage you will find information on the following:   

  1. Advice following the birth of your baby by vaginal delivery   
  2. Advice following the birth of your baby by Caesarean section   
  3. Abdominal muscle separation   
  4. 3rd and 4th degree perineal tear   
  5. Incontinence (leakage of urine/pee and faeces/poo)   
  6. Postnatal exercise   

Vaginal Delivery   

It is important to look after yourself following the birth of your baby.    

What can you do?  

Caesarean Section

Casearean section is major surgery to the abdominal wall. It is important to gradually get back to normal activities, allowing time for your body to heal and recover. You may be seen on the postnatal ward by a physiotherapist and given advice and education on your posture, activities of daily living and how to prepare for your return to work and exercise. We will also show you some gentle exercises to begin to help your tummy muscles recover.

What can you do?


Abdominal Muscle Separation

Also known Diastasis Recti, Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles, DRA or DRAM.

During pregnancy and labour it is normal for the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate to accommodate your growing baby. 100% of women have some degree of separation at 35 weeks pregnant and 39% at 6 months postnatal (Mota et al 2014). This is called Diastasis Recti.

You may notice your tummy “doming” or a gap in your tummy muscles when you do things that require lots of abdominal activity e.g. sitting up from lying, coughing or straining to move your bowels.

What can you do?

  • Follow the advice and exercises in the Fit for the Future or you can ask your midwife or health visitor to refer you to physiotherapy if you are concerned about your tummy muscles.
  • Useful leaflets - Use the DRA leaflets and exercises below. 

STAGE 1 DRAM

STAGE 2 DRAM

STAGE 3 DRAM


3rd and 4th degree perineal tear

If you have had a 3rd or 4th degree tear during the delivery of your baby, you will be contacted by one of the specialist urogynaecology nurses at approximately 8-10 weeks following your delivery. You should also have received a leaflet whilst you were in hospital with information on how to look after your tear.

What can you do?


Incontinence (leakage of urine or faeces)

Incontinence in the postnatal period is common but NOT normal. It is estimated that up to one third of women will suffer from some degree of incontinence following childbirth.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common type affecting women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. It can lead to leakage of urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing or during activities such as lifting or bending.

What can you do?

  • Pelvic floor muscle strengthening is important in the recovery of your pelvic floor and it is important that you do them correctly. For information on correct techniques please read Pelvic Floor Exercises POGP leaflet.
  • It can take 3-6 months of daily pelvic floor strengthening for it to be effective. You might find this challenging with a new baby. The NHS Squeezy App may help you with technique, motivation and consistency.
  • If you are experiencing any problems with incontinence or are concerned about your pelvic floor then please see you midwife or GP for a referral to the pelvic health physiotherapy service.

Postnatal exercise

Physical recovery postnatally will take time, but there is a lot you can do to help you recover and regain your fitness which could reduce the risk of physical problems later.

What can you do?