Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery - How a Mummy MOT can help

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and surrounding tissues. Many women experience symptoms such as:

• Urinary leakage

• Bowel changes or constipation

• Pelvic heaviness or prolapse

• Pain or discomfort during exercise or sex

• Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)

A Mummy MOT is a comprehensive postnatal assessment that evaluates your pelvic floor, core muscles, posture and overall movement patterns, making it a great helper with Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery.

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI)

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries occur in a small proportion of vaginal births, often during instrumental deliveries or complicated tears. OASI can lead to:

• Faecal incontinence

• Urinary incontinence

• Pelvic pain

• Reduced confidence and activity limitation

Early assessment and rehabilitation with a pelvic health physiotherapist can significantly improve outcomes. Treatment focuses on:

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining

• Coordinating pelvic floor and core muscles

• Scar tissue management and perineal massage guidance

• Bladder and bowel retraining

• Safe return to daily activities and exercise

What a Mummy MOT Includes

• Pelvic floor strength, coordination, and reflex assessment

• Diastasis recti evaluation

• Bladder, bowel, and sexual health assessment

• Posture and alignment check

• Core and functional movement evaluation

• Guidance on safe return to exercise, lifting, and daily activities

Why Early Postnatal Physiotherapy Helps

Early and structured postnatal physiotherapy can:

• Improve pelvic floor and core function

• Reduce risk of incontinence and prolapse

• Address OASI-related issues safely

• Support confidence and return to exercise

• Prevent long-term complications from childbirth

When to Seek a Mummy MOT

You may benefit from a Mummy MOT if you experience:

• Urine or bowel leakage

• Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms

• Pain with exercise or sexual activity

• Weakness or separation in your abdominal muscles

• OASI or complicated perineal tear

The Pelvic Physio Farnham

I support women across Surrey with postnatal pelvic floor assessments, Mummy MOTs, and specialist physiotherapy after childbirth, including care for OASI. Book an appointment here.

References:

NICE (2021). Postnatal care (NG194).

RCOG (2020). Management of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.

POGP (2020). Postnatal pelvic floor assessment guidance.

Dumoulin, C., Hay-Smith, J., & Mac Habée-Séguin, G. (2014). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Bø, K., Frawley, H., Haylen, B., et al. (2017). Joint report on pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction.

Neurourology and Urodynamics.