Mama, Stop Putting Up with Leakage - You have options.
- Brianna Ludtke
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
There are over 3 million births in the US each year. That's a lot of pelvic floors working incredibly hard and a lot of opportunity for leakage. As the fetus grows, the pelvic floor muscles are forced to function in stretched or lengthened positions with growing weight on top of it. This can cause fatigue, progressive weakness, or painful tightness impacting daily life, bathroom functions, and comfort. That's just during pregnancy. After the varying levels of tissue trauma and demands during and after childbirth, the recovery needs are similar and can be adjusted based on individual need to regain comfort, function and fitness! The stronger you are leading up to birth, the better birth experience you may have, and the more successful you'll be recovering postpartum.
[[ Humor me. For comparison, imagine yourself holding a 1# dumbbell out in front of you at shoulder height. Keep holding it.. keep going. Eventually, I'm going to add 1-2# every month. Keep holding that dumbbell out there. At some point, those muscles will fatigue and fail. Luckily, the shoulder muscles don't control bathroom habits.. unlike the pelvic floor. ]]
On the other hand, it's incredibly lucky that the pelvic floor is a group of muscles! Muscles can be trained to relax, to become stronger, to become better coordinated, etc. You have more control than you think - if you're up for working through it with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and actively executing a plan to make it better based on what we find together.
Check out more benefits of Pelvic Floor Rehab During & After Pregnancy below.
The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Rehab During and After Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth bring incredible changes to your body—and your pelvic floor is at the center of it all. These muscles support your growing baby, help with labor, and play a key role in recovery after birth. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be a gentle, effective way to support your body through every stage of motherhood.
1. Prepares Your Body for Birth
During pregnancy, pelvic floor therapy helps strengthen and coordinate the muscles that support your uterus, bladder, and bowels. Learning how to engage and relax these muscles can make labor and delivery smoother, while reducing the risk of tearing or other complications.
2. Supports Postpartum Recovery
After giving birth—whether vaginally or by C-section—your pelvic floor can feel weak or stretched. Rehab focuses on restoring muscle tone and function, helping you recover more comfortably and safely. It can also reduce the risk of prolapse, incontinence, or long-term pelvic pain.
3. Improves Bladder Control
Leaking when you sneeze, cough, or laugh is common after pregnancy, but it’s not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor therapy strengthens the muscles that control your bladder, helping you regain confidence and comfort in your daily life.
4. Eases Pelvic and Low Back Pain
Many women experience pelvic or lower back pain during and after pregnancy. Gentle exercises and hands-on techniques can help release tension, realign your body, and relieve pain—so you can move, lift, and play with your baby more comfortably.
5. Rebuilds Core Strength
Your pelvic floor is a vital part of your core. Strengthening it can help improve posture, stability, and energy levels—making it easier to return to the activities you love.
The bottom line: Pelvic floor rehab isn’t just about recovery—it’s about empowerment. Whether you’re preparing for birth or healing after it, taking care of your pelvic health can help you feel stronger, more confident, and more connected to your body.
If you’re pregnant or postpartum, connect with a pelvic health physical therapist. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself (and your growing family).
Schedule a Physical Therapy Evaluation with Dr. Bri to get started with your recovery journey! You don't need a referral in the state of Minnesota to see a Physical Therapist. Have questions? Book a Discovery Call!
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