Signs, symptoms & why waiting until postpartum may be the harder path
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.
In This Episode, We Cover:
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
🚩 Signs You Should See a Pelvic Floor PT While Pregnant
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.
Why Pregnancy Is the Best Time to Start
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.
What Does Pelvic Floor PT in Pregnancy Look Like?
Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy may include:
Postural assessment
Breath retraining
Core and glute coordination
Manual therapy for pain
Downtraining for pelvic floor tension
Birth prep and pushing education
Perineal massage instruction
Strategies to prevent tearing and prolapse
Internal exams are always optional — you are in control.
Not Local? Here Are Your Options
If you’re in Northern New Mexico, you can work with Dr. Des in-person at The Balanced Momtality clinic.
If you’re not local — or want a structured, guided program — RESTORE inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App is designed to help you:
✔️ Build breath-core coordination✔️ Reduce tension and pain✔️ Strengthen safely during pregnancy✔️ Prepare your body for labor✔️ Support postpartum recovery
Because you deserve more than “wait and see.”
✨ Pregnancy is not damage control.It’s preparation.
If this episode helped you, share it with a pregnant friend who deserves better support.
And as always — you don’t have to do this alone.
~ XODr. Des 💛
Want a Structured Way to Rebuild Safety in Your Body during Pregnancy and Beyond?
🌀 Ready to feel stronger, more confident, and in tune with what it needs?
If you’re done guessing and googling… If you’re ready to stop modifying your workouts out of fear… If you’re ready to move, lift, run, and LIVE without leaking, pain, or pressure...
Then it’s time for RESTORE — my 12-week signature pelvic floor & core rehab program Evidence-based. Nervous system-informed. Holistically healing.
Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor
