Why Prenatal and Postnatal Pelvic Physio is Essential for Every Mum-to-Be on the Central Coast

Written By Katey Molenaar

Why Prenatal and Postnatal Pelvic Physio is Essential for Every Mum-to-Be on the Central Coast

Pregnancy and childbirth is an exciting and transformative time, but it also brings extraordinary changes to your body, especially your pelvic floor. Whether you’re preparing for birth or navigating life postpartum, working with a pelvic floor physio can make a world of difference in your comfort, strength, and recovery.

If you’re a mum-to-be on the Central Coast, here’s why pelvic physio should be a key part of your pregnancy and postnatal care journey.

What is a Pelvic Physio?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support and influence function of the pelvic organs i.e., your bladder, bowel, and uterus. During pregnancy and after birth, these structures are under more pressure and strain than ever. This may lead to experiencing issues like:

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Urinary leakage

  • Lower back or hip pain

  • Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

  • Pain during sex

  • Prolapse symptoms

A qualified pelvic physio can assess and treat these concerns using evidence-based techniques designed specifically for pregnant and postnatal women.

Why Prenatal Physio Matters

Seeing a pelvic floor physio during your pregnancy isn’t just about treating problems, it’s about preventing them, too! Prenatal pelvic physio can help you:

  • Understand how to prepare your pelvic floor and body for birth to reduce birth trauma

  • Learn perineal massage and breathing techniques to prepare for birth

  • Understand pushing strategies to reduce strain on the pelvic floor

  • Manage common discomforts like back pain and pelvic girdle pain

Starting pelvic physio early in your pregnancy can lead to a smoother birth and postpartum recovery

When to see a pelvic floor physio in pregnancy:

  • <20 weeks - General Pregnancy Assessment

  • 20-28 weeks - Pelvic Floor Assessment

  • 32-34 weeks - Birth Preparation

  • 34-36+ weeks - Birth Prep Review

Check out our Prenatal Physiotherapy section for more info

Why Postnatal Physio is Just as Important

After birth, your body continues to go through big changes and recovery isn’t just about time, it’s about the right kind of care & guidance. Postnatal pelvic physio supports your healing and helps you return to the activities you love, safely. Postnatal pelvic physio can support you to:

  • Reconnect & strengthen with your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles

  • Treat and/or prevent incontinence and prolapse

  • Heal from birth-related trauma or tearing

  • Return to exercise safely (yes, even running and lifting!)

  • Improve intimacy and sexual function

Even if your birth was “straightforward” & you have no symptoms, an assessment with a pelvic physio is still highly recommended

When to see a pelvic floor physio postpartum:

  • 4-6 weeks: Postnatal Assessment

  • 12 weeks: Pelvic Floor Review & Return to High Impact/Running Assessment

  • And generally… anytime. If you are 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years postpartum, it’s never too late to have you pelvic floor checked!

Check out our Postnatal Physiotherapy section for more info

Ready to Feel Strong, Supported, and Confident?

Whether you're expecting your first baby or recovering after your third, pelvic floor physio can be one of the best decisions you make for your body and wellbeing. If you’re a mum-to-be on the Central Coast, I would love to support you through your pregnancy journey and beyond.

Katey Molenaar