Episode Details

Most women don’t even know they can see a pelvic floor physical therapist while pregnant.

They’re told leaking is normal.
Pelvic pain is normal.
Pressure is normal.
Back pain is normal.

And while those symptoms may be common in pregnancy — they are not something you simply have to live with.

In this episode, Dr. Des breaks down when to see a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy, what red flags to watch for, and why proactive support can completely change your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.

Because pregnancy isn’t something you’re meant to survive — it’s something you can move through with strength, strategy, and support.

• Why pelvic floor PT during pregnancy is often overlooked

• The biggest misconception about “waiting until postpartum”

• Common but NOT normal symptoms in pregnancy

• Bladder leaking, urgency, and frequent UTIs

• Pelvic pain, pubic symphysis pain, SI joint pain, and tailbone pain

• Vaginal pressure or heaviness

• Pain with intercourse during pregnancy

• How breath mechanics and posture shift as baby grows

• Why prevention is easier than rehab

• What a pelvic floor PT actually does during pregnancy

• Birth prep strategies including pushing mechanics and positioning

You do not need to be miserable to qualify.

If you are experiencing:

• Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise

• Pelvic pressure or heaviness

• Pubic bone, groin, or SI joint pain

• Tailbone discomfort

• Severe hip or low back pain

• Pain with intercourse

• A history of traumatic birth, prolapse, tearing, or C-section

• Chronic constipation

It’s worth getting evaluated.

And even if you don’t have symptoms — learning how to coordinate your breath, core, and pelvic floor before delivery can make postpartum recovery significantly smoother.

Hormones increase joint laxity.
Your center of gravity shifts.
Your breathing pattern changes.
Pressure on the pelvic floor increases.

Your body is adapting rapidly — which means it’s also highly trainable.

It’s far easier to build coordination and resilience before delivery than to repair dysfunction after.

Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy may include:

• Postural assessment

• Breath retraining

• Core and glute coordination

• Manu