Regression

During pregnancy, a woman's body performs at its best for 9 months. Abdominal muscles, connective tissue and especially the pelvic floor are massively challenged. Active regression, preferably under professional guidance, helps to bring the body back into shape after childbirth.

While the uterus retracts to its original size on its own after pregnancy, other areas need active support. For example, the abdominal muscles are weakened after childbirth, as is the pelvic floor. In about 20 to 30 percent of all new moms, the bladder weakens after delivery. Some women feel this especially when laughing, sneezing or coughing. Other consequences can include back pain, vaginal prolapse or uterine prolapse. A careful regression is important to counteract these complaints and prevent long-term consequences.

Postpartum gymnastics is an important part of postpartum care. It is usually offered by midwives in open courses. The course units focus on the areas that were particularly stressed during pregnancy. First, the pelvic floor muscles are usually trained. Then, the abdominal and core muscles are strengthened with targeted exercises.

In the first period after birth, the body initially needs rest and relaxation. You should not start regression until 6 to 8 weeks after delivery at the earliest. By then, the pelvic floor will have stabilized somewhat. It is important that nothing hurts anymore. If you had a cesarean birth, it is better to wait 1 to 2 weeks longer. The wound should have healed well and the scar should no longer hurt by the time you start your postpartum exercises.

Please give yourself enough time and start gently. For 9 months during pregnancy, the body has been preparing for birth and has undergone numerous changes. It simply needs some time to return to its original shape afterwards. A too early, a wrong or a too strong load can lead to long-term damage and further stress the already stressed body after pregnancy.

In order for you to take full advantage of the postnatal course, it is helpful if you are not responsible for the care of your child during this time. So your partner can support you by taking care of your child during this time. The same is true if you are doing postpartum exercises at home.

The cost of a recognized back-formation course is covered by statutory health insurance. Paid are usually 10 units of 60 minutes. Please note possible deadlines: The course must be completed by the end of the 9 month after birth at the latest in order to be billed to the health insurance. If the course is interrupted due to a pandemic, this deadline is extended to the end of the 12th month. If you are privately insured, ask your health insurance company directly whether and to what extent the costs are covered.

Many midwives, maternity clinics and physiotherapists offer courses in regression. Inquire locally or directly with your midwife.

In most courses, the baby can be brought along. However, there are also offers for mothers alone. In addition to face-to-face courses, you can now also find many online postpartum courses on the Internet.

Be sure to find out before you start whether the course you have chosen is recognized by your health insurance company.