Maintaining Pelvic Health During Pregnancy with Pelvic Physiotherapy
Introduction
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, marked by remarkable physical changes. Most of these changes are completely normal — after all, your body is creating a home and making space for your baby! However, they can affect the pelvic floor, core, and surrounding structures. Up to 50% of pregnant individuals experience pelvic girdle pain or pelvic floor dysfunction during or after pregnancy, affecting daily activities, and sleep. Prioritizing pelvic health throughout pregnancy with the help of pelvic physiotherapy can improve comfort, function, and confidence, setting a strong foundation for postpartum recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues can stem from several factors:
Hormonal changes leading to ligament laxity
Changes in posture and body mechanics
Previous pelvic floor dysfunction or injuries
Multiple or closely spaced pregnancies
High-impact or repetitive lifting activities during pregnancy
Risk factors for developing pelvic pain or pelvic floor dysfunction include:
A history of back or pelvic pain
Prior traumatic vaginal deliveries
Heavy lifting or physically demanding work
Sedentary lifestyle or very high-intensity athletic training without proper core support
Symptoms
Pelvic health concerns during pregnancy can present in a variety of ways, including:
Pelvic girdle pain (pubic symphysis pain or sacroiliac joint pain)
Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, or physical activity or even activities of daily living
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the perineal area
Difficulty controlling bowel movements or gas
Pain with sexual activity
Lower back pain
As pregnancy progresses and the load on the pelvic floor increases, symptoms can become more severe.
Diagnosis
Pelvic health concerns are best assessed by a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist, who will use:
A thorough history of symptoms and pregnancy background
Observation and assessment of posture and movement patterns
Gentle examination of pelvic floor muscle function
Assessment of breathing patterns and core coordination
Functional testing for strength, endurance, and mobility
Early identification allows for a tailored treatment plan to reduce symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Physiotherapy Approach
Pelvic physiotherapy is a safe, evidence-based approach to support pregnant individuals through:
Pelvic floor muscle training to maintain strength and prevent incontinence
Education on perineal stretching to prepare tissues for delivery
Manual therapy for joint pain, muscle tension, and improving pelvic alignment
Postural and movement retraining to support the growing belly and reduce strain
Breathing and relaxation techniques to optimize core engagement and manage stress
Labour and delivery preparation (positions, pushing strategies, perineal protection)
Pain management strategies including taping, supports, and gentle exercise
Patient Education and Self-Management
In addition to guided physiotherapy sessions, patients can support their pelvic health at home by:
Performing daily breathing, pelvic floor, core connection exercises (as advised by their physiotherapist)
Maintaining good posture during sitting, standing, and lifting
Staying active with pregnancy-safe exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming
Using supportive pillows for sleep positioning to reduce pelvic pain
Listening to their body and resting when needed to avoid overloading the pelvic floor
Conclusion
Pregnancy brings many changes, but it should not come with debilitating pelvic pain or incontinence. With early intervention and support from a pelvic health physiotherapist, you can maintain strength, confidence, and comfort during pregnancy — and prepare for a smoother postpartum recovery.
Call to Action
If you are pregnant and experiencing pelvic pain, leaking, or want to proactively support your pelvic health, we at Integrative Physio are here to help. Contact us at 705 503 1250 to schedule an assessment and learn how to protect your pelvic floor during pregnancy.
Written By: Maria Gayveski
References
Morkved, S., & Bo, K. (2014). The pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy and after childbirth: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Kanakaris, N. K., Roberts, C. S., & Giannoudis, P. V. (2011). Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: an update. BMC Medicine.
Bo, K., & Hilde, G. (2013). Pelvic floor muscle exercise for prevention and treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women: a short version Cochrane review. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
