• Dedicated time for you: the appointment is focused on your recovery as a mother, not your baby’s routine check
• Privacy and reassurance: your symptoms can be discussed without feeling rushed
• Whole-person review: you can talk about physical recovery, pelvic health, bowel and bladder symptoms, mental health, contraception and general wellbeing can be covered together
• Early identification of complications: symptoms such as sphincter trauma, infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, haemorrhoids and vaginal or caesarean birth trauma can be reviewed and managed promptly
• Clear next steps: our Private GP can provide advice, treatment options and onward referral where needed
• Choice and convenience: appointments are available privately for self-pay patients and those using private medical insurance, subject to individual policy terms

After pregnancy and childbirth, women may experience a wide range of symptoms that deserve proper assessment. Some symptoms improve naturally, but others may need treatment, referral or follow-up. A postnatal GP check can help identify problems early and reassure women about what is expected during recovery.

Pelvic floor symptoms

Pelvic floor symptoms after childbirth happen when the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs become weakened or stretched during pregnancy and delivery. Symptoms can include:

Bladder symptoms

After childbirth, many women notice changes in their bladder function as the pelvic floor muscles recover from the strain of pregnancy and delivery. Common symptoms include leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising, a frequent need to urinate, sudden urges to empty the bladder, or a feeling that the bladder is not emptying completely.

Bowel symptoms

The pelvic floor also plays an important role in bowel control. When these muscles become weakened or injured during childbirth, symptoms can include difficulty controlling wind, bowel urgency, constipation, haemorrhoids, difficulty emptying the bowels, or, in some cases, leakage of stool.

Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms

A weakened pelvic floor can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where the bladder, uterus or bowel descends into the vagina due to reduced support. Women may experience a feeling of heaviness, pressure or dragging in the pelvis, particularly after standing for long periods. Some describe a sensation of something bulging or "falling down" within the vagina.

Pelvic pain and discomfort

Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort after childbirth. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, lower back pain, tailbone pain, groin pain or a feeling of tension and discomfort within the pelvic region. These symptoms can affect daily activities, exercise and overall quality of life.

Core strength and abdominal symptoms

The pelvic floor works closely with the deep abdominal and core muscles. As a result, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to reduced core strength, difficulty returning to exercise and feelings of instability during movement. Some women may also develop diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy.

Sexual health symptoms

Childbirth can affect sexual function in a number of ways. Some women experience pain during intercourse, reduced vaginal sensation, feelings of vaginal looseness or difficulty achieving orgasm. These symptoms may be related to pelvic floor weakness, scarring, muscle tension or changes in the surrounding tissue.

All of these can affect your comfort, mobility, confidence, intimacy and mental wellbeing. Some women may feel embarrassed to raise these symptoms, but early assessment can help.

Perineal tears

If a perineal tear is not healing, our GP can discuss pain relief, check for signs of infection, advise on pelvic floor recovery and refer you onwards if specialist input is needed. This may include pelvic health physiotherapy, a gynaecology, colorectal or perineal clinic or mental health support - depending on your symptoms.

General postnatal health

A postnatal GP check can also help with a range of general health concerns, including fatigue, symptoms of anaemia, headaches and blood pressure issues.

Support is also available for caesarean section wound healing, contraception and family planning, changes to periods and menstrual cycles and breastfeeding challenges such as pain, latch difficulties or concerns about milk supply.

Birth trauma

While some women recover quickly after giving birth, others may be left feeling frightened, overwhelmed or distressed long after their baby is born. Birth trauma can occur following a difficult or prolonged labour, an emergency caesarean section, unexpected complications, or an experience where you felt unsupported, unheard or out of control during childbirth

A private postnatal check provides a safe and supportive space to discuss your birth experience and any ongoing emotional effects. Symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt or persistent worry can all be explored, helping you access the support you need to process your experience and move forward with confidence.

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a common mental health condition that can develop in the weeks, months or even up to a year after giving birth. It is more than the temporary "baby blues" and can have a significant impact on your emotional wellbeing, relationships and daily life.

If you’re experiencing a persistent low mood, tearfulness, anxiety, anger, guilt, loss of confidence, feelings of being overwhelmed, or difficulty bonding with your baby, it’s important to seek support. Our postnatal GP check offers a confidential and compassionate opportunity to discuss any concerns about your mental health, identify signs of postnatal depression and ensure you receive the appropriate advice, treatment or onward referral where needed.

Whether you are struggling emotionally, finding it difficult to adjust to life with a new baby, or simply need reassurance that what you're experiencing is normal, our team is here to support you throughout your postnatal recovery.

We provide post-natal checks for mothers to assess and support issues related to your postnatal recovery and wellbeing. However, we’re unable to assess, diagnose, or treat any concerns relating to your baby.

If you have questions or concerns about your baby's health, growth, feeding, or wellbeing, please contact your GP, health visitor, midwife or the appropriate paediatric service for advice and support.

You’re welcome to bring your baby with you to your postnatal check, however we would recommend that a relative or friend looks after them while you’re in the clinic room.

Having an appointment without your child allows you uninterrupted time and privacy with our Private GPs. This can make it easier to discuss sensitive symptoms such as perineal pain, painful sex, haemorrhoids, urinary leakage, bowel changes, trauma after birth, low mood, anxiety or concerns about healing.

Facilities for changing babies can be found in our Atrium. Breast feeding is welcome anywhere in the hospital, but if you would prefer to breastfeed in private, please ask at Reception for an available room.