Why Your Pelvic Floor Deserves More Attention During Pregnancy

Yet, for some reason, pelvic health physiotherapy is often overlooked in pregnancy. So, let’s shine a spotlight on this unsung hero and why it’s worth your attention.

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

If you’re picturing yoga poses and vague advice about “doing Kegels,” think again. Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized field focused on keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy and functional. This includes assessing how these muscles work (or don’t), relieving pain, and preparing your body for the Olympic-level event that is childbirth.

It’s not just about squeezing muscles, though. Your physiotherapist looks at the whole picture—your posture, breathing, and even how you move—because guess what? Everything is connected.

Why Should You Care About Your Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy?

Your pelvic floor has one job—holding up your bladder, uterus, and bowel while also keeping everything moving along as it should. But pregnancy throws a curveball (or more accurately, a watermelon) at it. That extra weight and pressure can lead to some less-than-ideal situations like:

• Leaks when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. Oh, the joys of being “glowingly pregnant.”

• Pelvic pain or pressure. Walking, standing, or even sitting can feel like an extreme sport.

• Prolapse risk. We won’t sugarcoat it—your organs can shift into places they shouldn’t.

But here’s the kicker: a strong, flexible pelvic floor can help with all of this. And no, you don’t need to accept these symptoms as your new normal.

How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help?

Think of pelvic health physio as your pre-game training for childbirth. Here’s what it can do:

1. Prepare for Delivery: Whether you’re aiming for a vaginal birth or a C-section, your pelvic floor plays a role. Learning how to relax these muscles (yes, relaxation is just as important as strength!) can make a big difference.

2. Address Pain: Pelvic girdle pain, tailbone pain, lower back pain—pregnancy loves to throw these at you. A physio can help you manage and reduce these aches so you can focus on things like building your crib or binge-watching parenting YouTube videos.

3. Minimize Leaks: No one enjoys playing guess the sneeze strength while pregnant. Targeted exercises can help you regain control, so you’re not constantly scouting for the nearest bathroom.

4. Postpartum Recovery: Spoiler alert—your pelvic floor doesn’t magically bounce back after birth. Starting physio during pregnancy lays the groundwork for recovery later.

But I Heard I Can Just Do Kegels?

Ah, Kegels. The advice we’ve all been handed without context or nuance. While Kegels can be helpful, doing them incorrectly can actually make things worse. (Surprise!) A pelvic health physiotherapist teaches you how to engage your muscles properly—and when to let go.

When Should You Start?

Honestly? Yesterday. But since time machines aren’t a thing, the second-best time is now. Whether you’re in your first trimester or waddling into your third, pelvic health physiotherapy can meet you where you are.

The Bottom Line

Pelvic health physiotherapy during pregnancy isn’t a luxury—it’s a game-changer. It’s like hiring a coach for your pelvic floor to ensure it shows up, does its job, and doesn’t quit halfway through the game.

So, if you’re pregnant and haven’t thought much about your pelvic floor yet, consider this your sign. Because you, my friend, deserve to sneeze without fear and deliver a baby like the superhero you are.

Trust me, your pelvic floor will thank you later.

Nicola Robertson

Physiotherapist