So, you’re pregnant—congratulations! Whether you’re glowing or wondering how much longer you can tolerate the phrase “eating for two,” one thing is certain: your body is doing some serious heavy lifting. And I’m not just talking about your growing bump. Enter your pelvic floor, the MVP that doesn’t get nearly enough credit during pregnancy and postpartum.
As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I’m here to tell you why perinatal pelvic floor physical therapy is an absolute game-changer for moms-to-be and new moms. Spoiler: It’s not just Kegels and breathing exercises—though we’ll talk about those, too.
What Is the Pelvic Floor Anyway?
Think of your pelvic floor as a hammock made of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that supports your uterus, bladder, and bowel. It’s the behind-the-scenes hero of pregnancy, working overtime to support that growing baby, manage bladder control, and keep things functioning smoothly “downtown.”
During pregnancy, the weight of your baby (and let’s be honest—your expanding uterus and extra fluids) puts a lot of pressure on this area. If you think about any other muscle group in your body carrying that kind of load, you’d probably give it some extra TLC, right? The pelvic floor is no different.
What to Expect During Pregnancy: Pelvic Physical Therapy to the Rescue!
Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy focuses on keeping those hardworking muscles flexible, functional, and strong—but not too tight. Overly tight pelvic floor muscles can make labor and delivery harder and cause pain during pregnancy. They commonly lead to stress urinary incontinence, as well (AKA peezing - peeing when you sneeze).
Here’s what you can expect during prenatal pelvic PT:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment: We’ll assess the strength, coordination, and flexibility of your pelvic floor. Don’t worry—it’s a judgment-free zone!
Breathing and Alignment Work: Believe it or not, how you breathe and stand affects your pelvic floor. We’ll help you sync your diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor for optimal support and comfort.
Managing Aches and Pains: Got low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, or sciatica? Pelvic PT can help relieve those pregnancy-induced discomforts.
Labor Prep: We’ll teach you how to push effectively and practice positions for delivery to reduce strain on your pelvic floor. There’s nothing worse than a labor & delivery nurse telling you you’re pushing wrong ON the big day!
The Postpartum Side
Fast forward to postpartum. Your baby has made their big debut, but your pelvic floor feels… well, like it just ran a marathon. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or delivered via C-section, pelvic physical therapy is here to help you recover and get back to the activities that you love!
Here’s what postpartum pelvic PT looks like:
Pelvic Floor Recovery: We address issues like leaking pee (yep, that sneeze-laugh combo can be brutal), pelvic pain, and prolapse.
Core Rehabilitation: Say hello to your deep core muscles again! We help with diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and strengthen your core safely.
Scar Tissue Mobilization: If you had a C-section or an episiotomy, we work on scar tissue to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Return to Activity: Whether it’s running, lifting weights, or chasing after your toddler, we’ll create a plan to get you moving safely, confidently and pain-free!
Why It Matters (And Why It’s Awesome!)
Perinatal pelvic floor PT isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about empowerment. It’s knowing your body, understanding what it needs, and giving it the care it deserves during one of the most transformative times of your life. So, let’s say goodbye to the stigma, the silent suffering, and the idea that leaking and pelvic discomfort is just part of the “mom life.” It doesn’t have to be.
Pelvic floor PT: Because moms are superheroes, and even superheroes need a sidekick to lean on for help!
Health & Happiness,
Dr. Carly
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