A postnatal ‘Mummy MOT’ health check is a comprehensive non-invasive physical examination designed specifically for women who have recently given birth. This postnatal check-up helps women assess their physical health and recover from the demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. In this blog, we will explore what a Mummy MOT health check involves and, if you’re a new mum, why you should book one.
What does a Mummy MOT health check cover?
During the check-up, our osteopath will perform a thorough assessment in the following areas:
Pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and uterus. During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles can become weakened, leading to issues such as incontinence and prolapse.
Your osteopath will assess the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and provide exercises and advice on how to improve their function.
Abdominal muscles
The abdominal muscles are also affected by pregnancy and childbirth. The check will assess the strength and tone of these muscles and supply advice on how to improve their function.
Joints and ligaments
Pregnancy and childbirth can put a significant strain on the joints and ligaments. A check will assess the range of motion of the hips, knees, and spine and provide advice on how to manage any discomfort.
Back pain
Back pain is a common complaint among new mothers. Any check will assess the posture and alignment of the spine and supply advice on how to manage any discomfort.
Diastasis recti
Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy. The check will assess the presence of diastasis recti and if present, your osteopath will advise ways to manage this condition.
Overall physical fitness
The Mummy MOT health check will assess the overall physical fitness of the patient and supply advice on how to improve fitness levels.
What are the benefits of a Mummy MOT health check?
Early detection of health issues: A health check allows for the early detection of any health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth. This early detection can help prevent more serious health problems from developing in the future.
Improved physical function: A health check will provide new mothers with advice and exercises to improve their physical function, including the strength and tone of the pelvic floor muscles, abdominal muscles, and joints.
Better management of pain: The check will assess the presence of any pain and supply advice on how to manage it, including exercises and lifestyle modifications.
Increased confidence: A Mummy MOT health check can provide new mothers with increased confidence in their physical health, helping them to feel more comfortable and confident as they navigate the demands of motherhood.
Personalized advice: A check is tailored to the individual needs of each patient, providing them with personalized advice and exercises to help them recover from the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Why choose an osteopath for a Mummy MOT?
An osteopath is best suited to give a postnatal Mummy MOT health check because of their holistic approach to healthcare, expertise in musculoskeletal health, gentle and non-invasive treatment methods, and ability to supply personalised care.
Holistic approach: Osteopaths consider the whole body and its functions, not just the specific area of concern, making them well-equipped to assess and address a range of postnatal health issues.
Expertise in musculoskeletal health: Osteopaths have a deep understanding of how the body’s bones, muscles, and joints work together, making them well-equipped to address any issues related to posture, alignment, and physical function that may arise during pregnancy and after birth.
Gentle, non-invasive treatment: Osteopathic treatment is gentle and non-invasive, making it a safe and effective choice for new mothers who may be hesitant to undergo more invasive medical procedures.
Personalised care: Osteopaths take a patient-centred approach, considering everyone’s unique health history and needs. They will supply personalised advice and exercises tailored to each patient’s specific needs, helping to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you’re a new mother looking to assess your physical health and recover from the demands of pregnancy and childbirth, a Mummy MOT health check from an osteopath may be the perfect solution for you.
Contact Claire at The Form Practice, for a 90-minute assessment that looks at your posture, abdominal muscles and pelvic floor to make sure everything’s in top shape. We also screen for any bladder, bowel or sexual issues so we can provide you with the best care possible!