Why the 6-Week Postpartum Clearance Isn’t Enough

It’s no secret that women all across the globe do not receive the proper plan of care postpartum. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis by López-Liria et al. (2020), only 24% of women report feeling fully recovered by 6 weeks postpartum. 

A 6 week timeframe is inadequate and gives the false perception that a mother’s body can bounce back to her pre-pregnancy activities without a proper rehabilitation routine.

The Reality of the 6-Week Follow-Up:

Pregnancy and childbirth put significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, often leading to issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and dyspareunia (painful intercourse) postpartum. A meta-analysis by Mørkved et al. (2014) found that pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence, persists in 30-50% of women beyond 6 weeks postpartum.

These issues are often thought to resolve on their own. However, there is no such thing as any injury resolving on its own. If the symptoms of one injury magically disappear, they often manifest in another region of the body. 

Comparison to Orthopedic Injuries :

If a person injures their knee, ankle, or shoulder, they’re almost always referred to a specialist, including an orthopedic physical therapist. Unlike orthopedic patients, who are regularly followed up with physical therapy, meta-analyses (Deering et al., 2020) show that less than 10% of postpartum women are referred to physical therapy despite the demands of childbirth on the body.  

Not only do postpartum women face physical challenges, but they also face significant emotional challenges such as postpartum depression and anxiety that can delay their recovery. Untreated mental health struggles can exacerbate physical pain, fatigue, and hinder a mother’s ability to regain strength, whilst attending to a baby. 

Quick Takeaways for Moms:

Diaphragmatic breathing, full-body mobility and strengthening, and walking are all great places to start to positively impact the physical challenges of postpartum recovery. It’s also highly recommended to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist. For those seeking emotional support in their postpartum recovery, a clinical psychologist is a highly recommended professional. 

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