Recovering from childbirth isn't something you have to do alone.

Giving birth is an incredible achievement, but it can also place significant stress on your body. While many women recover well, some experience injuries during childbirth that continue to affect their comfort, confidence and quality of life.

At Better Bodies Physiotherapy, we provide assessment and rehabilitation for women recovering from maternal birth injuries. Whether your symptoms began immediately after birth or you've been living with them for months or even years, postpartum physiotherapy may be able to help.

What is a maternal birth injury?

A maternal birth injury refers to damage sustained by the mother's body during childbirth. These injuries can affect the pelvic floor muscles, connective tissues, nerves and surrounding structures, and may result in ongoing symptoms if left untreated.

Maternal birth injuries vary in severity, and every woman's recovery is different. Some women recover naturally over time, while others benefit from assessment and rehabilitation with a pelvic health physiotherapist.

Common maternal birth injuries

Maternal birth injuries can include:
  • Anterior wall prolapse, posterior wall prolapse, or uterine prolapse
  • Coccyx fracture or dislocation
  • Levator avulsion
  • Obstetric anal sphincter injury tears
  • Tears to the perineum, labia, vagina, vulva, clitoris, cervix, rectum, anus, or urethra
  • Obstetric fistula (including vesicovaginal, colovaginal, and ureterovaginal)
  • Obstetric haematoma of pelvis
  • Post-partum uterine inversion
  • Pubic ramus fracture
  • Pudendal neuropathy
  • Ruptured uterus during labour
  • Symphysis pubis capsule or ligament tear

These injuries may contribute to a range of ongoing symptoms.

Signs you may benefit from physiotherapy

You don't need to "just put up with" symptoms after having a baby.

Physiotherapy may help if you're experiencing:
  • Urinary leakage
  • Bowel leakage or difficulty controlling wind
  • Pelvic heaviness or pressure
  • Pelvic or perineal pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty returning to exercise
  • A feeling that your recovery isn't progressing as expected
  • Ongoing pelvic floor weakness

Even if your baby is now a toddler, or older, it's never too late to seek support.
You can read more here about Is It Normal to Leak Urine After Having a Baby? and When Should I See a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist After Having a Baby?

Is ACC available for maternal birth injuries?

Many women don't realise that maternal birth injuries that occurred after 1st October 2022 may be covered by ACC in New Zealand.

Depending on the nature of your injury and your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for ACC-subsidised physiotherapy.

If you're unsure whether your injury qualifies, our team can discuss your symptoms, help determine whether ACC may apply, and guide you through the process.

How can physiotherapy help?

Pelvic health physiotherapy aims to support your recovery by restoring strength, improving function and helping you return to the activities that are important to you.

Your treatment may include:
  • A comprehensive assessment
  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation
  • Individualised exercise prescription
  • Core strengthening
  • Hands-on treatment where appropriate
  • Education about recovery and symptom management
  • Advice for returning to exercise, work and daily activities

Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual goals and stage of recovery.

You don't have to accept ongoing symptoms

Many women assume that bladder leakage, pelvic pain or feelings of heaviness are simply part of life after childbirth. While these symptoms are common, they are not something you have to simply accept.

Seeking assessment early can help identify any underlying issues and provide you with an individualised plan to support your recovery.

Learn more about our postpartum Physiotherapy service here.

Book an assessment

If you've experienced a maternal birth injury or you're concerned about your recovery after childbirth, we're here to help.

Our experienced pelvic health physiotherapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you recover with confidence.

Book your pelvic health assessment today and let us support you on your recovery journey.

Maternal Birth Injury FAQ

Is it too late to seek treatment if I had my baby months or years ago?
No. Many women seek physiotherapy months or even years after childbirth and still experience significant improvements. If you're continuing to experience symptoms, it's worth having an assessment to determine how physiotherapy may be able to help.​
Do I need a referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
No. You can book directly with Better Bodies Physiotherapy without a referral. If your injury may be covered by ACC, we'll discuss this with you during your appointment and help guide you through the process if appropriate.
When should I see a pelvic health physiotherapist after giving birth?
For most women, we recommend booking a postpartum physiotherapy assessment from around six weeks after giving birth. This allows your body time to begin its natural healing process and is an appropriate time to assess your recovery, including your pelvic floor if indicated.
However, if you're experiencing significant pain, concerns about your recovery, or have questions following childbirth, you're welcome to contact us sooner. We can discuss your symptoms and advise on the most appropriate timing for an assessment.
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