Why See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist During Pregnancy—Even If You Don’t Have Symptoms?

Many people think pelvic floor physiotherapy is only for those experiencing pain, leaking urine, or pelvic heaviness during pregnancy. While pelvic floor physiotherapy is an excellent treatment for these concerns, it can also play an important role in preparing for birth and recovery—even if you’re feeling great.

Just as many expecting parents attend prenatal classes or exercise during pregnancy to prepare for labour, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you understand how your body changes throughout pregnancy, what to expect during childbirth, and how to support your recovery after your baby arrives.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Pelvic Floor

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy, these tissues adapt to support your growing baby.

Some common changes include:

• Increased pressure on the pelvic floor as your baby grows.
• Hormonal changes that make ligaments and tissues more flexible.
• Changes in posture and abdominal muscle function.
• Increased demand on the muscles that support your pelvis and core.

These changes are completely normal. However, every pregnancy is different, and understanding how your body is adapting can help you feel more confident and prepared.

You Don’t Need Symptoms to Benefit

Many pregnant individuals have no pelvic floor symptoms at all, but still benefit from an assessment.

A prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment can help you:

• Learn how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning.
• Identify areas of muscle tension or weakness before they become problematic.
• Learn strategies to support your pelvic floor as your pregnancy progresses.
• Receive individualized exercises that are appropriate for your body and stage of pregnancy.
• Ask questions about labour, pushing, recovery, and returning to activity.

Think of it as preventative care rather than waiting for problems to develop.

Preparing for Labour and Birth

One common misconception is that the pelvic floor simply needs to be only “strong.” In reality, healthy pelvic floor muscles need to be both strong and able to relax.

During labour, your pelvic floor muscles need to lengthen and relax to allow your baby to move through the birth canal. If these muscles are overly tight, learning relaxation techniques beforehand may be beneficial. Read more about tight vs. weak pelvic floor muscles here.

Your pelvic floor physiotherapist may teach you:

• Breathing strategies that promote pelvic floor relaxation.
• Positions that may improve comfort during labour.
• Techniques for effective pushing.
• Perineal massage education (when appropriate).
• Ways to coordinate your core and pelvic floor during pregnancy and delivery.

Having this knowledge before labour can help you feel more prepared, regardless of whether you have a vaginal birth or a Caesarean birth.

What to Expect After Delivery

Birth places significant demands on your body, and recovery looks different for everyone.

After delivery, it’s common to experience:

• Pelvic soreness.
• Temporary weakness of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.
• Changes in bladder or bowel control.
• Scar healing after tearing, episiotomy, or Caesarean section.
• Fatigue and changes in posture while caring for your baby.

While many of these changes improve with time, early guidance can help support a smoother recovery.

Postpartum Recovery Isn’t Just About Kegels

Many people assume they should immediately start doing Kegel exercises after birth. However, this isn’t always the right approach.

Some people need to strengthen their pelvic floor, while others need to improve relaxation, coordination, or breathing before strengthening begins. 

A postpartum assessment allows your physiotherapist to determine what your body actually needs and create a personalized recovery plan.

This may include:

• Safe return to walking and exercise.
• Core muscle rehabilitation.
• Scar management.
• Pelvic floor retraining.
• Strategies for lifting, feeding, and caring for your baby comfortably.
• Guidance on returning to running or higher-impact activities when appropriate.

When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?

There is no “perfect” time during pregnancy, but many people choose to book an assessment during the second or third trimester. This provides enough time to learn exercises, prepare for labour, and address any concerns before delivery. During the first trimester, often the Physiotherapist will do an external pelvic floor assessment (instead of internal). Read more about what that entails here.

After birth, many healthcare providers recommend a pelvic floor assessment around six weeks postpartum, although earlier visits may be appropriate if you’re experiencing pain, significant leaking, or have questions about your recovery.

Investing in Your Recovery Starts Before Birth

Preparing for childbirth isn’t only about your baby’s arrival—it’s also about setting yourself up for a healthy recovery. Understanding your pelvic floor, learning how to care for your changing body, and having a plan for postpartum can make the transition into parenthood feel more manageable.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to be proactive, a prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment can provide valuable education, reassurance, and individualized guidance. If you’re pregnant and looking for pelvic floor physiotherapy in Kingston, ON, our experienced Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist is here to help you prepare for birth, support your recovery, and answer your questions every step of the way. Book your appointment today and invest in your health before and after your baby’s arrival. Book with us today!