Prenatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: How Pelvic Physio Supports You During Pregnancy

Prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy is an essential part of pregnancy care that helps support your changing body, reduce pain, and prepare you for labour and delivery. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to stay strong and proactive during pregnancy, pelvic floor physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference.

When Should You Start Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

We typically recommend starting prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy in the second trimester. This timing allows us to safely focus on prehabilitation (prehab) — strengthening and preparing your body for the physical demands of the later stages of pregnancy and birth.

Starting early can help prevent many common pregnancy-related aches and pains before they become limiting.

Second Trimester: Prehab, Strengthening & Pregnancy Pain Prevention

During the second trimester, prenatal pelvic physio focuses on strength, stability, and injury prevention. Treatment commonly includes:

• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening to support your growing baby

• Functional strengthening of the entire body, with specific emphasis on the glutes and hips

• Improving posture, movement patterns, and load management as your body changes

This approach helps reduce the risk of common pregnancy-related conditions, such as:

• Pelvic girdle pain

• Low back pain during pregnancy

• Sciatic nerve pain

• SI joint dysfunction

• Hip and glute pain

In addition to pain prevention, we also address pelvic floor symptoms during pregnancy, including:

• Urinary leakage or bladder control issues

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Pain with intercourse during pregnancy

These symptoms are common, but they are not normal and can often be improved with targeted pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Third Trimester: Labour & Delivery Preparation with Pelvic Physio

In the third trimester, prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy shifts focus from strengthening to labour and birth preparation.

This phase of care includes:

• Learning how to properly activate, relax, and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles

• Education on breathing techniques and coordination for labour

• Practicing birthing positions that support pelvic opening

• Teaching pain management strategies to help you cope with contractions and feel more confident during labour and delivery

Preparing the pelvic floor to relax and release, not just strengthen, is a key component of an efficient labour and a positive birth experience.

Why Prenatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Is Important

Prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy supports you throughout pregnancy by:

• Reducing pain and discomfort

• Improving pelvic floor function

• Preparing your body for labour and delivery

• Promoting a smoother postpartum recovery

Whether you’re managing symptoms or taking a proactive approach to pregnancy health, pelvic physio can be an important part of your prenatal care team.

Book a Prenatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Appointment

If you’re pregnant and looking for support with pain, pelvic floor symptoms, or labour preparation, prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy can help.

📅 Book your prenatal pelvic physio appointment today to start building strength, reduce discomfort, and prepare your body for birth with confidence.