The 7 Most Common Postnatal Symptoms Women Are Told Are “Normal” — But Actually Aren’t
And how specialist Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy at HealthHub Kingsbridge can help you recover confidently
Becoming a parent is extraordinary — beautiful, life altering, and also physically demanding in a way that rarely gets talked about honestly. Many women are told to expect pain, leaking, discomfort or weakness for months (or even years) after having a baby… and to simply “get on with it.”
But here’s the truth we wish everyone knew:
Just because something is common does not mean it’s normal. And it’s absolutely not something you need to live with.
At the HealthHub Kingsbridge, our Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy service supports you through every stage — pregnancy, birth recovery and your return to movement. Below, we explore seven symptoms women often ignore, minimise or normalise… and how gentle, specialist physio can help.
- Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) That Doesn’t Go Away After Birth
Pregnancy can place huge demands on your pelvis and lower back. Many people expect this discomfort to vanish once the baby arrives — but for some, pain lingers weeks or months later.
You may notice:
- Pain turning in bed
- Pain walking or lifting
- Instability around the hips or pelvis
The good news?
Targeted postnatal physiotherapy can make a significant difference, using:
- stabilising exercises
- breathwork and pressure management
- gentle manual therapy
- lifestyle and feeding posture strategies
Most people begin to feel relief far sooner than they expect.
- “Mummy Tummy” or Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti Abdominis)
This is incredibly common — and absolutely treatable.
Signs may include:
- doming or bulging down the midline
- backache
- a feeling of “weakness” in the core
With guided, pressure aware exercise and support from a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, the abdominal wall can heal effectively and safely.
Leaking When You Cough, Run or Lift
You may have heard someone say, “Well, that’s motherhood!”
But leaking is never something you should simply accept.
Your pelvic floor may be:
- weak
- overactive (tight but tired)
- not coordinating well with your breath
Specialist pelvic floor rehabilitation goes far beyond “just squeezing” and can help you regain control and confidence.
- Pelvic or C Section Scar Discomfort
Scars can feel:
- tight
- numb
- sensitive
- restrictive
C section scars, perineal stitches or scar tissue from assisted delivery may all benefit from:
- gentle scar mobilisation
- desensitisation techniques
- whole body movement strategies
This is safe, supportive and completely guided by your comfort.
- Pain When Feeding, Lifting or Carrying Your Baby
The physical reality of looking after a newborn is intense. Hours of feeding, rocking and lifting can create new areas of discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
- neck and shoulder pain
- wrist or hand strain
- lower back fatigue
- tight ribcage or midback
A combination of manual therapy, posture strategies and strengthening work can bring huge relief.
- Feeling Weak, Wobbly or “Not Yourself” When You Move
Your body has been through a major physical event. Feeling disconnected, unstable or hesitant when returning to exercise is extremely common.
Postnatal physiotherapy helps you rebuild strength safely with:
- core and pelvic floor rehabilitation
- whole body stability work
- a graded return to exercise plan
- support for running, gym or sport postpartum
Confidence grows quickly when your body begins to feel supported again.
- Emotional or Physical Overwhelm That Shows Up in the Body
Birth, feeding, sleep deprivation and life change can be deeply felt in the body. Many women describe:
- tightness in the chest
- breath holding
- jaw clenching
- difficulty resting
- feeling on high alert
Your physiotherapy session offers a calm, grounded space to breathe, understand your body and gently reconnect with how you’re feeling. Everything is led at your pace.
Why These Symptoms Are Treatable — Not “Your New Normal”
Your body is designed to heal — but it often needs guidance, clarity and reassurance to do so. Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy bridges the gap between where you are now and where you want to be:
- comfortable in pregnancy
- confident preparing for birth
- supported after birth
- ready to return to movement
- living without fear, pain or uncertainty
You deserve expert support from professionals who understand the physical and emotional realities of this time.
How The HealthHub Kingsbridge Can Support You
Our pelvic health physiotherapists provide:
- unhurried assessments
- trauma sensitive, individualised support
- hands on care where helpful
- intelligent, safe exercise rehabilitation
- specialist guidance from pregnancy to postpartum
- access to our Clinic + Studio rehabilitation pathways
We support people across Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Totnes, Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Modbury, Yealmpton and South Devon.
If Something Doesn’t Feel Right, You Don’t Have to Wait
Whether you’re 6 weeks postnatal or several years, your symptoms are valid — and recovery is possible.
✨ Book your Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy appointment
✨ Or arrange a FREE discovery call to talk things through first
You deserve to feel strong, confident and supported in your body.
We’re here to help you get there.