You have recently welcomed a new baby into the world, and your life has likely become a whirlwind of nappies, feeds, and sleepless nights. In those early weeks and months, the focus is naturally on the beautiful new arrival. However, amidst the joy and the chaos, it is vital to remember that you matter too. Your postpartum body has undergone an incredible transformation, yet many women feel left behind once the initial medical checks are over.
For decades, the standard 6 week check has been the benchmark for postnatal care. Sadly, many mothers find this brief appointment is simply not enough to address the complexities of physical recovery. You might be told everything is “fine” or “normal,” even when you feel anything but. If you are experiencing discomfort, instability, or a sense that your body doesn’t quite belong to you anymore, it is time to listen to those signals.
A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment in the UK designed to bridge this gap in care. It is an in-depth, evidence-based check-up performed by a trained women’s health professional. By looking at your posture, breathing, tummy muscles, and pelvic floor, we can identify issues before they become chronic problems. Here are five clear signs that your body is asking for the expert support of a postnatal physio.
1. Leaking When You Laugh, Sneeze, or Exercise
Urinary incontinence, or leaking after pregnancy, is incredibly common, but it is never something you should have to “just live with.” Whether it happens when you cough, run for the bus, or pick up your toddler, it is a primary indicator of pelvic floor dysfunction after birth. The muscles and connective tissues that support your bladder have been through significant strain, and they may need specific rehabilitation to regain their strength and coordination.
Many women assume that doing a few random pelvic floor contractions (Kegels) will solve the issue. However, for some, the problem isn’t just weakness, it could be that the muscles are too tight or are not engaging at the right time. A Mummy MOT practitioner can assess exactly how your muscles are functioning and provide a bespoke plan to restore your confidence.
Actionable Tips for Bladder Health:
- Avoid “just in case” bathroom trips, as this can train the bladder to hold less volume.
- Exhale during exertion – such as lifting your baby or a heavy car seat – to reduce downward pressure.
- Seek a professional assessment to ensure you are performing your pelvic floor exercises correctly, as many women inadvertently push down instead of lifting up.
2. Persistent Back, Hip, or Pelvic Pain
It is easy to dismiss back pain after birth as the result of “mum posture” or the physical demands of carrying a growing baby. While these factors contribute, persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic girdle is often a sign of underlying instability. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin softens your ligaments, and the core muscles are stretched to their limits.
When the deep core and pelvic floor are not working in harmony, other muscles in your back and hips have to overcompensate. This leads to the nagging aches that many women ignore for years. A postnatal physiotherapy session doesn’t just treat the site of the pain, it looks at your body as a whole system to find the root cause of the imbalance.
How Postnatal Physio Helps Pain:
- Structural Assessment: Checking how your pelvis and spine align after the shifts of pregnancy.
- Muscle Re-education: Teaching the deep “corset” muscles to support your spine effectively.
- Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on how to feed, carry, and lift your baby safely to reduce daily strain.
3. Your Tummy Doesn’t Look or Feel Right
While we should always be kind to our postnatal bodies, some changes are functional rather than just aesthetic. Do you notice a “pooch” that won’t go away, or perhaps a visible ridge or “doming” down the centre of your stomach when you sit up? These are classic diastasis recti symptoms.
Diastasis Recti (DRA) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, affecting approximately 60% of women post-birth. While some natural healing occurs in the early weeks, many women require targeted postnatal recovery exercises to close the gap or, more importantly, to improve the tension of the connective tissue between the muscles. Ignoring this can lead to further back pain and pelvic health issues because your “core” isn’t providing the support you need.
Identifying Core Issues:
- Look for “coning” or “doming” when you transition from lying down to sitting up.
- Notice if your stomach feels soft or “squishy” around the belly button with no underlying tension.
- Track whether your tummy feels significantly weaker during simple household tasks.
4. Painful or Changed Experience of Sex
This is perhaps the most under-reported symptom of women’s health after baby. Many mothers feel embarrassed to mention that intimacy has become painful, uncomfortable, or simply feels “different.” This can be caused by various factors, including scar tissue from a tear or episiotomy, hormonal changes during breastfeeding, or tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
A Mummy MOT provides a safe, non-judgmental, and clinical environment to discuss these concerns. We can assess scar healing and provide techniques to improve tissue elasticity. You deserve to feel comfortable and empowered in your body, and reaching out for support is the first step toward regaining your sexual well-being.
5. You Just Don’t Feel Like Yourself
Sometimes there isn’t a single, glaring symptom, but rather a general feeling of “heaviness” in the pelvis, a lack of connection to your core, or a lingering sense of fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix. The emotional transition of motherhood is huge, but physical healing is a massive part of that puzzle. If you feel like your postpartum body is a stranger to you, that is a valid reason to seek help.
The standard healthcare system often focuses on the safe delivery of the baby, but postnatal recovery is a long-term journey. You are not “complaining” or “fussy” for wanting to feel strong, functional, and pain-free. Investing in a Mummy MOT is an investment in your long-term health, allowing you to be the active, energized mother you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happens during a Mummy MOT?
It is a 60-minute comprehensive assessment. Your practitioner will check your posture, assess your abdominal muscles for diastasis recti, and perform an internal pelvic floor evaluation to check for strength and any signs of prolapse. You will receive a written report and a tailored recovery plan.
Is it too late to have a postnatal assessment if my baby is a few years old?
It is never too late. Whether you are six weeks or six years postnatal, the principles of rehabilitation remain the same. Many women seek help much later once they realize their symptoms, such as leaking or back pain, are not resolving on their own.
Will I be told I can’t exercise anymore?
Quite the opposite. The goal of a postnatal physio is to get you back to the activities you love safely. Whether it’s CrossFit, running, or yoga, we provide the building blocks to ensure your body can handle the load without injury or dysfunction.
Do I need an internal exam during the assessment?
While an internal assessment of the pelvic floor is the “gold standard” for diagnosis, it is entirely your choice. Your practitioner will explain the benefits, but if you are not comfortable or have recently had a traumatic birth, we can adapt the assessment to suit your needs.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
Motherhood is a marathon, and you need a strong foundation to navigate it. If you recognise any of these signs – or if you simply want the peace of mind that your body is healing as it should – help is available. Don’t settle for “just part of mum life.” You deserve specialized care that looks after you as much as you look after your little one.
Ready to reclaim your strength? Find your nearest Mummy MOT practitioner and book your comprehensive postnatal assessment today. Your journey to a stronger, more confident you starts here.
