The Unsung Hero of Pregnancy: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Hey there, mama-to-be! 👋 Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention during pregnancy: your pelvic floor. It’s the quiet MVP of your pregnancy journey, but unless something goes wrong (hello, random pee leak during a sneeze), it often stays off the radar. Not anymore! Let’s dive into why pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a game-changer for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

What Even Is the Pelvic Floor?

Picture a hammock, but instead of holding you on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it’s holding your bladder, uterus, and rectum. That’s your pelvic floor—a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis. These muscles are responsible for:

• Supporting your growing baby, pelvis, hips, and back.

• Keeping you continent (aka avoiding awkward bathroom accidents).

• Playing a role in your posture and stability.

• Allowing for sexual intercourse (penetration and climax)!

Thank you myPhysioSA for the picture !

During pregnancy, your pelvic floor is under constant pressure, and if it’s not functioning well, you could experience pain, leaks, or even complications during delivery.

Why Pelvic Floor PT Is a Pregnancy Must-Have

1. Prevents Leaks (or Helps If They’re Already Happening!)
   Whether you’re dealing with an occasional dribble when you sneeze or full-on leaks, pelvic floor physical therapy can help. We assess the strength, coordination, and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles, addressing any dysfunction that’s causing the leaks. Through targeted exercises and strategies, we can help you regain control and confidence during pregnancy and postpartum.

2. Eases Aches, Pains, and Lightning Crotch (Yes, That’s a Thing)
   If you’ve felt a sudden, sharp, and jarring pain in your pelvis—often called "lightning crotch"—you’re not alone. It’s often related to pubic symphysis dysfunction, a condition where the joint at the front of your pelvis becomes unstable. Tailbone pain (coccydynia), back pain, hip discomfort, or that weird pressure in your pelvis? Your pelvic floor might be the culprit. PFPT works to stabilize and support your pelvis, helping you move and function more comfortably.

3. Prevents or Helps Heal Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
   As your baby grows, your abdominal muscles stretch to make room, which can lead to diastasis recti (a gap between the left and right abdominal muscles). Pelvic floor physical therapy can reduce the severity during pregnancy by teaching you safe movement patterns and core exercises. Postpartum, we guide you through gentle rehabilitation to restore core strength and function.

4. Prevents or Manages Pelvic Organ Prolapse
   Increased pressure during pregnancy can lead to pelvic organ prolapse (when one or more pelvic organs drop lower than they should). We focus on strengthening and properly coordinating your pelvic floor muscles to provide better support for your organs, helping to prevent or manage prolapse symptoms.

5. Prepares You for Labor and Reduces Risk of Vaginal Tearing
   A well-functioning pelvic floor isn’t just about strength—it’s also about knowing how to relax those muscles. During labor, this can reduce the risk of tearing, complications, or prolonged pushing. PFPT equips you with the tools to push effectively and trust your body during delivery.

6. Speeds Up Recovery
   Whether you have a vaginal or C-section delivery, a strong and coordinated pelvic floor can help with healing postpartum. Pelvic floor therapy also addresses any lingering symptoms, like pain, leaks, or pelvic heaviness, giving you a solid foundation for recovery.

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What Does a Pelvic Floor PT Session Look Like?

First things first: no, it’s not awkward! We are based in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and are experts in treating pelvic floor symptoms. A trained pelvic floor physical therapist (like us!) will make you feel comfortable and safe. We’ll chat about your symptoms, health history, and goals. Then, we’ll assess how your pelvic floor is functioning through movement, breathing, and, if needed, a gentle internal exam.

Your treatment plan might include:

• Exercises to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor.

• Breathing techniques for labor prep.

• Postural adjustments to reduce strain on your body.

• Education on body mechanics to keep you moving safely.

The Bottom Line

Your pelvic floor is working overtime during pregnancy. Show it some love! Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like leaking, lightning crotch, or pelvic pressure, or you just want to prep for the smoothest delivery and recovery possible, pelvic floor PT can make a world of difference.

If you’re looking for expert pelvic floor physical therapy in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, reach out to us today! We’d love to help you feel strong, confident, and ready to take on pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. Learn more about us here!

FAQ

When should I start pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy?
The best time to start is in your second trimester! By then, your body has begun to adapt to the changes of pregnancy, and we can work together to support your pelvic floor as your baby grows.

Do I need pelvic floor PT even if I’m not experiencing symptoms?
You don’t need it, but we highly encourage it for preventative care! Many pregnant people believe that back pain, pelvic pain, or bladder leaks are just a “normal” part of pregnancy—but they don’t have to be. Pelvic floor PT can significantly reduce or even eliminate these symptoms, helping you feel your best until baby arrives.

Even without symptoms, pelvic floor PT can provide preventative and conservative measures to reduce the risk of:

• Leaking (urine or stool).

• Constipation.

• Pain with intercourse.

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation).

• Pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal heaviness).

It’s also a great complement to doula care! We can provide personalized guidance on optimal positions for the three labor stages, as well as hands-on training to help you push effectively during delivery.

Can I still benefit from pelvic floor PT if I have a C-section?
Absolutely! Even with a C-section, your body experiences significant changes. During the procedure, baby passes through seven layers of tissue, including muscles and fascia, which can create adhesions as the scar heals. These adhesions may lead to back pain, tension, or pelvic floor dysfunction over time.

Pelvic floor PT can help by:

• Improving scar mobility.

• Reducing pain and tightness.

• Restoring pelvic floor function.

It’s never too late to take care of your c-section scar, even if you delivered years ago!

What happens during a pelvic floor PT session?
We start with a conversation about your symptoms, goals, and birth preferences. Whether you’re dealing with pain, bladder leaks, constipation, or just want to optimize your pregnancy journey, we’re here to listen.

Next, we review pelvic floor anatomy and answer all your questions. Then we perform an external examination of your hips, back, and abdominal wall to see how your muscles are functioning.

With your consent, we may perform an internal vaginal pelvic floor exam to assess:

• How your pelvic muscles move (can they contract and relax on command?).

• If there’s pain or tenderness.

• If there’s muscular or fascial restriction.

• Whether you can breathe effectively into the pelvic bowl.

From there, we dive into treatment, targeting any limitations we identify. Our therapists are trauma-informed and prioritize your comfort, safety, and consent every step of the way.

Do I need a referral?
Nope! Rhode Island is a direct access state, which means you don’t need a doctor’s referral to book your first session. However, we do encourage you to keep your OB-GYN or midwife in the loop about your care.

Have a question that isn’t listed here? Contact us today!