5 min read.
By Anna Scammell
If you're a new mum, you will most likely be told by your Doctor that you're "cleared at 6 weeks", cleared to exercise, have sex and return to normal life. It gets said so casually that many women assume their body is completely healed and ready for anything at the 6-week mark, which is far from the truth.
So what does being "cleared" actually mean in the context of your recovery? And is it the same when a GP or Obstetrician clears you compared to a Women's Health Physio? Not at all.
As a Women's Health Physio who works with postpartum women every day, here is what you really need to know.
1. What your 6-week check with a GP or Obstetrician actually involves
Your GP or Obstetrician will perform an important medical check. They will assess bleeding, blood pressure, the external healing of stitches or a caesarean incision, and look for any signs of infection. They will also discuss breastfeeding concerns, emotional wellbeing and contraception.
This appointment matters, but it is medical only. Doctors are not trained to assess pelvic floor function, diastasis, prolapse or how well your body is tolerating load.
Many GPs and Obstetricians tell women they can return to their normal exercise routine at the 6-week mark. This is problematic for two reasons. Firstly, this clearance is given without assessing pelvic floor recovery, core function or readiness for load, which is what Women's Health Physios specialise in. Secondly, the gold standard across pelvic health is that no woman is considered ready for high impact exercise at 6 weeks, regardless of how she feels or the type of birth she had. Returning too soon can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction such as prolapse or setbacks in recovery.
So when you are "cleared", it simply means you are medically well. It does not mean you are physically ready to return to running, heavy lifting or other high impact exercise. It also does not mean your pelvic floor or abdominal separation has fully recovered.
2. What a Women's Health Physio assesses at 6 weeks postpartum
A Women's Health Physio completes a much more detailed musculoskeletal and pelvic health assessment. This includes:
Pelvic floor function - Assessment of tone, tension, technique, strength, endurance, coordination and relaxation, followed by an individualised pelvic floor exercise program.
Diastasis (abdominal separation) - Assessment of depth, tension and width, and how well the deep core is activating. This guides which abdominal exercises are safe to begin.
Prolapse screening - 1 in 2 women have some degree of prolapse after birth without knowing it. Early identification allows symptoms to be managed and progression reduced.
Scar tissue - Whether from a perineal tear, episiotomy or caesarean birth, scar tissue can affect pelvic floor function, core activation, c-section bulging and comfort with sex. Assessment and treatment are key.
Bladder and bowel habits - Assessment and management of leakage, urgency, straining, constipation or reduced bowel control.
Return to intimacy and sex - Guidance on returning to intimacy and sex. Some discomfort initially can be normal, but pain is not. Pelvic floor tension, weakness or scar tissue may impact comfort and can be addressed.
Your physical goals - A clear plan to help you return to the exercise you want, whether that is Pilates, yoga, running, weights, cross fit, netball or other high impact exercise.
3. 6 weeks is not the start of rehab. It is simply the next stage of it
Rehabilitation begins well before the 6-week mark. In the early days and weeks you can safely start gentle pelvic floor activation, breathing work, deep core reconnection, gentle strengthening, stretching, spinal mobility and walking. Wearing a compression garment in the first 6 weeks is also recommended to support healing of diastasis, the pelvic floor and scar tissue. Together, these early strategies can help you feel more supported and in control of your recovery.
The 6-week point is not the beginning of rehab. It is the stage where rehab can progress.
If you're unsure where to begin, my Free Postpartum Exercise Guide gives you a clear timeline of what exercises to do when, helping you progress safely and confidently from early postpartum onwards.
4. What exercise you can safely progress to after 6 weeks postpartum
At 6 weeks you can continue to progress:
- Pelvic floor strengthening
- Core and abdominal retraining
- Strengthening using body weight, light weights and resistance bands
- Walking speed, distance and introduce hills/stairs
- Introduce other low impact exercise such as swimming, cross trainer and bike
- Mobility and stretching
As you progress, you should not push into pain, vaginal heaviness, leakage or abdominal doming. These are signs your body is not yet ready for that level of load.
Mums and bubs classes such as Pilates, yoga or exercise groups can also begin from 6 weeks, provided they are run by a postnatal trained instructor.
For a structured online Physio-led Pilates program, The Postpartum Academy provides progressive exercises from week 1–2 post-birth, focusing on regaining strength safely while supporting healing of the pelvic floor and diastasis, alongside expert education to guide your recovery.
High impact exercise like running, jumping and heavy lifting can be introduced at the earliest from 3 months postpartum, once your pelvic floor and core are ready to handle that load. This should always be done gradually and under the guidance of a Women's Health Physio.
Take home message
"Cleared at 6 weeks" is a medical milestone, not a green light to return to any exercise you want!
A doctor’s clearance does not account for pelvic floor recovery, diastasis or scar tissue healing. The most supportive approach is to attend both your medical check with your GP or Obstetrician and a pelvic health assessment with a Women's Health Physio.
Your recovery deserves accurate education, comprehensive assessment and a plan that helps you return to exercise feeling strong, confident and empowered.
Bio
Anna Scammell is a Masters-trained Women's Health Physiotherapist in Sydney, Founder of The Whole Mother and mum to a 2-year-old girl. Anna specialises in pregnancy, postpartum and the pelvic floor, offering home visits, clinic consults and Telehealth sessions. She is also the Founder of The Pregnancy Academy and The Postpartum Academy, online programs teaching women how to have a healthier pregnancy, empowered birth and stronger recovery. Connect with Anna:
Email: anna@thewholemother.com
Website: www.thewholemother.com
Instagram: @the.whole.mother