Despite intensive monitoring during pregnancy, the postpartum period is often characterised by limited follow-up, leaving many individuals without adequate guidance during recovery [1]. Recent evidence suggests a mismatch between care provision and the need for individualised support, including validation of physical and emotional experiences [2,3]. Improved understanding of how postpartum individuals experience bodily changes and activity limitations is needed. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) quantify experienced activity limitations during the first year postpartum and (b) explore lived experiences of physical changes and recovery after childbirth.

This mixed-methods study integrated quantitative and qualitative data from two cohorts. Cohort 1 included 504 participants who reported activity limitations at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum using a patient-specific functional scale. Participants also provided free-text responses describing perceived causes of their limitations. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were analysed using quantitative content analysis. To deepen understanding, Cohort 2 comprised 14 participants (3–12 months postpartum) who participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

At 3 months postpartum, 48% of participants reported limitations in high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or ball sports, with 41% still reporting such limitations at 12 months. During the first six months, commonly affected activities also included general exercise, lifting/carrying, and brisk walking. Reported reasons for limitations included pain, urinary incontinence, vaginal heaviness, sensations of instability, and uncertainty about resuming physical activity. Qualitative analysis revealed the overarching theme: “Surprised by the transition to an unknown body.” Participants described uncertainty in interpreting new or unexpected bodily sensations, particularly in early recovery. Feelings of weakness, heaviness, or instability often led to caution and reduced activity. Persistent symptoms, including pain and urinary incontinence, contributed to ongoing limitations.

Participants expressed a need for reassurance and individualised guidance, alongside professional validation of their experiences. Recovery was described as an active and sometimes challenging process involving adaptation to bodily changes, balancing expectations, and gradually rebuilding function. Emotional responses ranged from concern about incomplete recovery to acceptance and trust in the body’s capacity to improve over time.

Activity limitations are common after pregnancy and may persist up to one year postpartum, particularly for higher-impact activities. Early limitations appear to be driven by uncertainty and difficulty interpreting bodily signals, while persistent limitations are more closely associated with ongoing symptoms such as pain and urinary incontinence. The findings highlight the combined influence of physical and perceptual factors on recovery.

Postpartum recovery involves more than symptom resolution; it requires support in understanding and adapting to bodily changes. Early, individualised guidance and reassurance may facilitate return to physical activity, while persistent symptoms warrant targeted management. Addressing both physical and emotional aspects of recovery may help bridge current gaps in postpartum care.

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Molin B, Zwedberg S, Berger AK, Sand A, Georgsson S. Disempowering women-a mixed methods study exploring informational support about pain persisting after childbirth and its consequences. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022;22(1):510. Published 2022 Jun 23. doi:10.1186/s12884-022-04841-6
Daremark C, Andréasson L, Gutke A, Fagevik Olsén M. Women's experiences of the injury, recovery and desire for rehabilitation after a second-degree vaginal tear-a qualitative study. Int Urogynecol J. 2022;33(6):1521-1527. doi:10.1007/s00192-021-04951-3