By Anna Geraets, Physiotherapist, Pilates Instructor and Women's Health Specialist

Why get a WOF?

Well… How are you feeling? 

Whether you are currently pregnant, or you are in the process of recovering from childbirth, surely you are appreciating just how much your body can transform to meet the demands of growing a baby. This can shake the confidence of even the most body-aware women. What activities are safe? What is beneficial? What is just normal pregnancy discomfort and what can be eased with some clinical management?

The childbearing years are a journey through a period of what can feel like constant change for our bodies.

The pre and postnatal WOFs are designed for those who are really after information and feedback in a one-off session (though the WOF can lead on to further management if this is indicated). If there are specific concerns or questions, these will be addressed, and if further clinical management is indicated this can flow on in consecutive sessions.

The WOF session is really guided by what you need; what are your concerns, how are you going with exercise, what is your history with exercise, do you have any history of incontinence or perineal problems, and what are your goals? Though there is plenty to go through even if you don’t have a complete list of questions!

What you can expect from your pregnancy WOF:

• Postural and strength assessment
• Pelvic floor discussion and direct assessment if indicated
• Development of an online exercise program specific to your needs and time
• Advice on other exercises, back care, and safe movement 
• Perineal massage techniques
• Advice on when to see a physio after the birth of baby

What you can expect from your postnatal WOF:

• Full back, pelvic, and postural assessment
• Detailed abdominal assessment, including assessment of muscle separation
• Abdominal muscle re-education, using real-time ultrasound
• Pelvic floor muscle assessment and re-education (this usually involves a vaginal exam, subject to consent)
• Advice on postnatal exercise and returning to exercise safely
• It is encouraged that this is booked after your 6-week obstetric review, though this can be done at any stage postnatally

NB: if you have had any perineal pain or trauma, it is more likely that you will need a postnatal women's health appointment, and possibly some follow up, where we will focus more on the perineum recovery and any concerns related to this.

We have loads of information on our women's health section of our website, including conditions specific to women's and pelvic health that we manage daily in our clinic, as well as an online shop for many products related to pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic health.