Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Worth It During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, physically, hormonally, and emotionally. While most people expect back pain, pelvic pressure, or bladder changes to be an expected part of pregnancy, ,many don’t realize there’s proactive care that can make pregnancy more comfortable and support a smoother delivery and recovery.

As a pelvic floor pt, a common question regarding pregnancy I get asked a lot is "Is pelvic floor physical therapy worth it during pregnancy?" The short answer? Yes! And here’s why.

The Role of the Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that supports your bladder, bowel, and uterus. During pregnancy, these muscles are placed under increasing load as your baby grows. Hormonal changes also affect tissue elasticity and joint stability, which can impact how well the pelvic floor functions.

A healthy pelvic floor needs to:

• Support your growing baby

• Coordinate with your core and breathing

• Lengthen and relax for childbirth

• Recover and regain strength postpartum

  
  

Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy focuses on optimizing function, not just strengthening, to prepare your body for all of these demands.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms Pelvic Floor PT Can Help With

A common misconception about pelvic floor PT is that it's only for postpartum recovery, but treating issues during pregnancy can significantly improve your quality of life and your pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with the following pregnancy symptoms:

• Pelvic pain or pubic symphysis pain

• Hip, low back, or tailbone pain

• Pain with walking, rolling in bed, or standing

• Urinary leakage (even “just a little”)

• Pelvic pressure or heaviness

• Constipation or difficulty emptying bowels

• Pain with sex during pregnancy

• Core weakness or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)

While these symptoms are common during pregnancy—they aren't just something you have to shrug off and deal with.

Is Pelvic Floor PT Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes! Pelvic floor PT is safe and evidence-based throughout pregnancy when provided by a trained pelvic health physical therapist.

Our treatment plans are always individualized to meet our patients needs and may include:

• Education on posture, movement, and daily activity modifications

• Breathing and core coordination exercises

• Gentle pelvic floor muscle training or relaxation (depending on your needs)

• Manual therapy when appropriate

• Preparation for labor and delivery positions

• Guidance on pushing strategies and perineal health

Internal pelvic exams are never mandatory and are only performed with informed consent, when clinically appropriate. My main goal as a pt is to create a safe & positive environment where my patients play an active role in their treatment.

Can Pelvic Floor PT Help With Labor and Delivery?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pelvic floor PT is all about strengthening. In reality, the ability to relax and coordinate your pelvic floor is just as important for birth.

Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy can help:

• Improve pelvic floor flexibility and awareness

• Reduce the risk of severe perineal tearing

• Teach effective pushing strategies

• Improve confidence going into labor

• Support better postpartum recovery

  
  

Research suggests that individuals who receive pelvic floor education during pregnancy often feel more prepared and empowered during birth.

Can I Still Get Pelvic Floor PT Even if I'm Not in Pain? Is It Still Worth It?

100% absolutely! I have had many pregnant patients over the years who were having smooth pregnancies with minimal to no pain come in because they want to learn more about their bodies and be proactive.

Education is power. Understanding the role your pelvic floor plays and how to protect it during your pregnancy and labor not only helps you in the present, but can help you avoid issues you may experience postpartum.

Think of pelvic floor PT during pregnancy as preventative care, similar to prenatal fitness or childbirth education. Even a few visits can help you:

• Understand how your pelvic floor works

• Learn how to protect your body during pregnancy

• Prepare your core and pelvic floor for delivery

• Reduce the risk of postpartum issues like leakage or prolapse

Final Thoughts: Is Pelvic Floor PT Worth It During Pregnancy?

From a pelvic floor physical therapist’s perspective and someone who has firsthand seen the benefits of pelvic floor pt on my pregnant & postpartum patients, yes, pelvic floor PT is absolutely worth it during pregnancy. It’s about more than treating pain; it’s about supporting your body through one of the biggest physical transformations it will ever experience.

You deserve care that’s proactive & personalized to what YOU need, not just reassurance that your symptoms are “normal.” If you’re pregnant and wondering whether pelvic floor pt is right for you - it probably is! Click below to book a free consultation with one of our pelvic floor PTs today to ask questions, learn what to expect, and see if pelvic floor physical therapy is the right fit for your pregnancy.

Your body is doing something absolutely incredible and we'd love to support you through it!

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Check Out Our Upcoming Workshops

Preparing for Pregnancy Workshop

Feel your best during pregnancy with a strong pelvic floor, great mobility and avoid aches and pains during pregnancy to prepare for a great labor. 

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Labor Preparation Class

A unique birth prep class that helps you decrease your chances of tearing, shorten the time of the labor and protect the pelvic floor for an informed and confident birth.

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