The Six Week Check - What Does It Actually Tell You?

I'm always amazed at the lack of postnatal care women in the United Kingdom receive. In many European countries women are sent to a Women's Health Physio within weeks of birth and are examined for dysfunction of the pelvic floor, core and function of the vagina and location of the pelvic organs. Hypopressives are used almost routinely throughout Spain and the amount of women requiring surgery for post birth complications such as prolapse is significantly lower than here in the UK.

Every woman i meet, will have had her six week check and no matter what her delivery, she is almost always asked the same three questions...

How are you feeling? - AKA How's your mood? Are you depressed? Whats the likely-hood you may harm yourself or your child?

How are you feeding the baby? - AKA which box do i tick, breast or bottle?

Do you want some contraception? - AKA Best give this woman some pregnancy prevention so there's no accidental pregnancy.

Anyone who has been to any of my classes knows i ask a great many more questions before inviting you to classes.

Another observation is that when a mother births via c-section, she has been through major abdominal surgery, seven different layers of skin, tissue, fat and an organ are cut into, many stitches or staples are used to bind these tissues back together, the woman is advised not to drive for at least four weeks and i am yet to meet a single woman who had her scar examined as part of her six week check. Major abdominal surgery and not a single glance at her scar !?!

'I've been cleared to exercise by my GP' is the interpretation of most women's six week check. The six week check actually means 'A woman has been cleared to resume NORMAL ACTIVITY" This includes, walking, driving, lifting light objects, housework etc NOT cross-fit, running, heavy lifting, or bootcamps.

Irrespective of the method of birth, the placenta leaves behind a would inside the uterus which is around 9" in diameter. A wound which takes at least 4-6 weeks to heal. The uterus takes up to 8 weeks to return to its normal size. Not to forget all the muscles, soft and connective tissues which need strengthen, repair and heal, which take months not weeks.

Its because of this lack of care and misleading information regarding the six week check that i screen the way i do and offer women a postnatal consultation, whereby they have the opportunity to make a truly informed choice about their return to exercise and postnatal healing. If you are in the Basingstoke area and you'd like an assessment, book in here.