Physiotherapy is no longer just for athletes or people recovering from injuries – during pregnancy and motherhood, it becomes an invaluable aid, both in preparing for childbirth and in postpartum recovery. It can boost confidence and prepare the body for the peak moment of labor. After childbirth, it can be key to faster regeneration, regaining strength, and addressing problems such as urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, or diastasis. Despite this, many half-truths and myths circulate about it, which can affect not only your view of physiotherapy but also your view of your own body. Together with experts from MINT THERAPY, a modern clinic specializing in physiotherapy for children and adults, we will look at what is truly true – and why you should care, even if you think you don't right now.

Returning to Exercise After Childbirth

Myth: "If I feel good, I can return to running and other more intense activities."
Fact: Feeling good isn't enough. If you want to resume running or similar activities, you always need to start gradually and first rehabilitate your deep core and pelvic floor muscles. We also recommend a check-up with a physiotherapist, who will give you the go-ahead for these types of activities.

Myth: "I have to wait to exercise until after the postpartum period is over; during the first few weeks after giving birth, I mainly need to rest and lie down."
Fact: Yes, getting enough rest is one of the most important things you can do for your body. However, recent studies show that incorporating pelvic floor and core exercises in the first few weeks postpartum significantly reduces the incidence of incontinence, diastasis, or pelvic organ prolapse.

Myth: "Postpartum exercise is boring – just breathing and slow movements."
Fact: Part of an effective postpartum workout also includes strength training exercises, especially
lower limbs, back and arms, as well as exercises to promote mobility and stability of the hips, pelvis and spine.

Physical recovery after childbirth

Myth: "The birth was natural, so the body will handle it on its own."
Fact: Even an uncomplicated vaginal delivery and a smooth pregnancy can leave its mark on the body.
to sign – in good condition of the pelvic floor, posture, muscle strength, etc. Therefore, we recommend all women after childbirth to visit a physiotherapist.

Myth: "Urinary incontinence will go away on its own after childbirth."
Fact: Leaking urine, even in small amounts, is not normal. If you experience this after six weeks postpartum...
If incontinence persists, we recommend consulting a doctor and visiting a gynecologist.
physiotherapy. Time and regular movement and exercise are often not enough to resolve these problems.

Myth: "Postpartum recovery ends with the end of the six-week postpartum period."
Fact: The body takes up to 2 years to regenerate after pregnancy and childbirth. This doesn't mean you should rest for two years, but physical exertion should be introduced gradually and adapted to the body's current capabilities.

Pelvic floor exercises

Myth: "I tighten my pelvic floor muscles in different ways throughout the day, and that strengthens them."
Fact: The pelvic floor muscles need an adequate training load to strengthen themselves.
in the form of a sufficient number of repetitions and sets. Random pull-ups for strengthening it will not be enough.

Myth: "I strengthen my pelvic floor by stopping the flow of urine while urinating."
Fact: This is outdated and inappropriate advice. Interrupting your urine stream can cause urinary tract infections and impair your ability to completely and comfortably empty your bladder.

Myth: "The pelvic floor needs to be strengthened after childbirth."
Fact: It's not that simple. For many women, we must first focus on the ability to relax and stretch the pelvic floor muscles, releasing excess tension. Only then can we introduce strengthening exercises. A gynecological physiotherapist can best advise you on pelvic floor exercises.

Diastasis

Myth: "Diastasis is just an aesthetic problem."
Fact: Diastasis primarily represents a problem with the function of the abdominal and trunk muscles and can affect the functioning of the entire musculoskeletal system.

Myth: "Diastasis doesn't affect me because I'm an athlete and I've always had a flat stomach."
"Sophisticated."
Fact: We know from experience that postpartum diastasis often occurs even in women who have very well-trained abdominal muscles.

Myth: "Diastasis recti occurs after childbirth."
Fact: That's not true, diastasis can start developing during pregnancy and often even before it – it's a problem with the coordination and function of the abdominal wall, and it can occur independently of...
pregnancy and childbirth.