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Supporting Your Body for Birth: Pelvic Floor Therapy Benefits Every Mom-to-Be

Pregnancy is a season of incredible change. While some discomfort can be part of that journey, the goal isn’t to “survive” pregnancy—it’s to only feel pregnant - not also in pain, leaking, or limited in your daily life.


Pelvic floor physical therapy offers proactive, evidence-based support to help expecting mothers feel stronger, more comfortable, and more confident throughout pregnancy and into birth.


At Auria Pelvic Health, we view prenatal care as an opportunity to optimize how your body adapts—so symptoms don’t have to escalate, and birth preparation can begin long before labor day.


Feeling Pregnant – What is Normal?


Many common pregnancy symptoms are often dismissed as “normal,” but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable or untreatable.


Pregnant woman in white shirt and jeans sits cross-legged on bed, holding belly. Gray wooden wall and framed photos in background.

Pelvic floor therapy can significantly reduce or prevent:

  • Low back pain and pelvic girdle pain

  • Hip, tailbone, and pubic symphysis discomfort

  • Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise

  • Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis

  • Pain with movement, sleep, or intimacy


As your center of gravity shifts and hormones increase joint mobility, muscles can become overworked or under-supported.


Pelvic floor therapists assess how your core, hips, spine, breathing mechanics, and pelvic floor are working together—and address imbalances before they become persistent pain.


The result?

More ease in movement, better sleep, and the ability to stay active and engaged in your life while pregnant.


Preparing the Pelvic Floor for Birth

One of the most powerful (and often overlooked) benefits of prenatal pelvic floor therapy is birth preparation.


Your pelvic floor isn’t meant to be “tight” for birth—it needs to be strong, responsive, and able to fully relax. Therapy during pregnancy focuses on:

  • Teaching pelvic floor relaxation and lengthening

  • Coordinating breath with pelvic floor movement

  • Preparing the tissues for stretching during delivery

  • Practicing positions that support efficient pushing

  • Reducing fear and tension that can interfere with labor


A Key Benefit: Reduced Risk of Severe Tearing

Research has shown that pelvic floor physical therapy can reduce the risk of severe perineal tears (3rd and 4th degree tears) by up to 60%. These are the tears that extend into the anal sphincter and can increase the risk of long-term bowel incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.


By improving tissue flexibility, neuromuscular control, and pushing mechanics, pelvic floor therapy helps your body work with the birth process rather than against it.


Shorter, More Effective Pushing

Pelvic floor therapists also help reduce prolonged pushing during labor. When the pelvic floor can fully relax and coordinate with abdominal effort, pushing becomes more efficient—often leading to:

  • Shorter second stage of labor

  • Less fatigue

  • Reduced strain on pelvic tissues

  • A smoother transition into postpartum recovery

Knowing how to push (and when to soften) can make a meaningful difference in both birth experience and recovery.


Setting the Stage for Postpartum Recovery

Prenatal pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s about protecting your future body. By addressing symptoms early and preparing tissues appropriately, many women experience:

  • Faster postpartum recovery

  • Less lingering pain

  • Improved bladder and bowel control

  • A smoother return to exercise and daily activities

Think of it as training for a marathon—except the marathon is birth, and recovery matters just as much as the event itself.


Pregnant woman in a white sports bra and beige pants stretches on an exercise ball in a cozy living room with a green sofa and soft lighting.

Support That Meets You Where You Are


Every pregnancy is unique. Whether you’re newly pregnant, in your third trimester, highly active, or navigating a more complex pregnancy, pelvic floor therapy is tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your goals.


At Auria Pelvic Health, our approach is compassionate, whole-body, and grounded in helping you feel empowered—not fragile—during pregnancy.


You deserve to feel supported, capable, and comfortable as your body prepares for birth. Pelvic floor therapy is one of the most impactful ways to get there.


If you’re expecting and want to feel better throughout your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period - our team is here to support you every step of the way.




Auria Pelvic Health

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 412

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: 310-505-6096

Auria Pelvic Health logo


Article Written By Dr. Sasha Speer, DPT


 
 
 

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