Why Pelvic Floor PT During Pregnancy is Just as Important as Postpartum
So many people assume that pelvic floor physical therapy is only needed after baby arrives, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! At Uplift Pelvic Health and Wellness, we strongly recommend pelvic PT both during pregnancy AND postpartum, and here’s why.
Think of childbirth as one of the most physically demanding events your body will ever experience. We wouldn’t show up to a marathon or a long hike without preparing, right? So why approach labor and delivery any differently? Prepping your body with pelvic PT helps you feel strong, confident, and supported every step of the way.
Let’s be honest… labor and delivery will always have some unknowns, but pelvic PT can help you prepare for a smoother experience by teaching you how to move your pelvis, relax your pelvic floor, and even push more effectively.
Here are the top 5 reasons to see a pelvic PT during pregnancy:
1. Support for YOU and your body
During pregnancy, most of the focus is on the baby, which makes sense. But what about you, mama? You deserve support too. Pelvic PT is about helping you feel good, comfortable, and cared for during pregnancy.
Using hands-on therapy and personalized exercise plans, we address pain points, improve pelvic floor function, and keep your body moving optimally as baby grows. Our goal is that you head into labor feeling calm, confident, and empowered, not just “getting through it.”
2. Reduced risk of tearing
Pelvic floor PT can make a big difference in reducing your risk of tearing during delivery. In fact, studies show severe tears can be reduced by over 50% with pelvic PT preparation.
Through pelvic floor training, perineal massage, relaxation strategies, breathing, and positioning techniques, we help your body prepare for delivery in ways that protect your perineum, minimize postpartum pain, and support faster healing.
3. Faster recovery postpartum
Every mom deserves to feel strong and supported after birth. When you keep your body connected and cared for during pregnancy, recovery often feels smoother and faster.
Why?
- Less tearing = less time healing
- A stronger connection to your core and pelvic floor = better bladder and bowel control
- Improved flexibility and awareness = easier return to exercise
In short, prepping during pregnancy often means you’ll bounce back with more ease once baby arrives!
4. Relief from pain and symptoms
“Pregnancy pain is normal.”
“You just have to deal back pain.”
“Of course you’re uncomfortable—you’re pregnant.”
We hear this all the time, but here’s the truth: many common pregnancy symptoms are treatable with pelvic PT.
Back pain, hip pain, sciatica, “lightning crotch,” leaking, poor sleep, even that uncomfortable pregnancy waddle… these don’t have to define your pregnancy! Pelvic PT can help relieve symptoms, improve how your body feels day-to-day, and make pregnancy much more enjoyable.
5. Confidence to stay active and healthy
So many women want to stay active during pregnancy, but they’re unsure what’s safe. That’s where we come in! We’ll teach you how to lift safely, stay connected to your core and pelvic floor, and trust your body through exercise. Whether your goal is to keep running, continue strength training, or simply move with less fear, pelvic PT helps you stay active and confident while baby is growing.
The bottom line
Pelvic floor PT isn’t just for postpartum—it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself during pregnancy. From reducing pain, to preventing tearing, to supporting a faster recovery, pelvic PT helps you feel prepared and empowered for labor, delivery, and beyond.
