05/14/2026
Why should you see a pelvic floor therapist before birth?
SO MANY REASONS!
All too often patients discover the pelvic floor after having a baby- but the benefits of a healthy pelvic floor also include the time during pregnancy and even before!
There are times when I tell someone I am a pelvic floor therapist and they say, “Oh, I guess I will need you after I have my children.”
But did you know that we prefer seeing people BEFORE they have children rather than waiting until after they deliver their baby? There are several reasons for this:
We want to know what your pelvic floor is like before you have a child. It will help us know what your body is like, so that we can set goals specific to you for your post-birth phase.
If we can help your pelvic floor relax during pregnancy and teach you how to push without putting added pressure on your pelvic floor, then everyone will be happier in the end. You will actually end up needing LESS pelvic floor therapy after you have your child.
Our patients who prepare for birth beforehand end up with shorter labor times and less tearing from labor.
We know this is true because we hear it time and time again from the many wonderful midwives, doulas and OB-GYNs we work with!
Even before going into labor, your pelvic floor is doing lots of extra work supporting your pregnancy. It is very common for problems with the pelvic floor to develop during this period, and the earlier these problems are identified and treated, the better.
