When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist During Pregnancy?
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Pregnancy brings exciting changes, but it can also bring discomfort, pressure, leaking, or pelvic pain that many women assume is “just normal.”
The truth? Many of these symptoms can be treated and even prevented with prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy.
So when is the right time to see a pelvic floor physio during pregnancy?
Short answer: anytime. Before, after, during, etc.
But here’s how timing can make a difference:
First Trimester: prevention & foundation (0-12 weeks)
Even if you’re not in pain, this is a great time to:
Learn how your pelvic floor works
Address any pre-existing bladder leaks
Start safe core activation
Build a strong foundation for the months ahead by staying active
Many women wait until symptoms start, but proactive care often leads to smoother pregnancies.
Second Trimester: Often when symptoms start showing (12-35 weeks)
You may start to experience:
Pelvic girdle pain
SI joint discomfort
Pubic symphysis pain
Hip or low back pain
Leaking urine when sneezing or coughing
A feeling of pelvic heaviness
A pelvic health physio can:
Relieve pelvic pain and manage symptoms
Teach supportive exercises
Provide hands-on treatment
Modify workouts safely
Prevent symptoms from worsening
While these are common, they are not something you have to just “live with”.
Third Trimester: birth preparation (35+ weeks)
The third trimester is ideal for:
Learning how to relax the pelvic floor
Preparing for pushing
Perineal preparation
Practicing breathing techniques
Optimizing baby positioning
Learning active / partner assisted labour positions
Yes, pelvic health physio isn’t just about strengthening. It’s also about learning how to relax and coordinate muscles for delivery.
Now, is pelvic health physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely.
Prenatal physiotherapy is:
· Gentle
· Evidence-based
· Patient lead
· Adapted to each trimester and person, providing an individual approach
· Designed specifically for pregnancy and the perinatal period
· Internal assessment is always optional and only done with consent.
Fourth Trimester: postpartum management (1-6 weeks after delivery)
The fourth trimester is often forgotten, but it encompasses the first 1-6 weeks after birth.
Focus on:
Rest and hydration
Spending time with your new family
Sleeping when you can
Eating well
Listening to your body – move if it feels good! But no need to rush into anything.
Pelvic health physio is ideal for:
Managing hip/low back or pelvic pain or any symptoms
Re-learning how to connect with the pelvic floor and the body
Help plan a gradual return to activity that is completely individualized
Starting treatment for diastasis rectii
When is it safe to return to physio after delivery?
Anytime.
There is no specific guideline or recommendation! Some individuals are eager to start and feel stronger sooner, while others need more time to rest and recover.
We recommend booking a virtual session around the 3–5-week mark to check in, tell us your birth story, and update us on any issues you are having. That way, when you do return to in-person physiotherapy, we have a treatment plan in place unique to your labour and delivery experience.
Most often, we tend to see individuals return around the 6-8 week mark.
Can I come to pelvic health physio if I had a c-section?
Yes!! There is so much we can help with.
The bottom line. You don’t need to wait until you’re in severe pain.
If you’re in South Surrey, we’re here to support you through every stage of pregnancy.
Savanna Mali
Have questions? Call us at 604 535 7705
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