Pelvic Floor FAQs: What Every Woman Should Know After Birth
In recognition of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month
June marks Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month, a timely reminder of just how important pelvic floor health is, especially for women in the postnatal period. Yet despite how common pelvic floor issues are after childbirth, they remain one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed areas of women’s health.
At Wholesome Physiotherapy, we believe knowledge is power. This blog answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the pelvic floor, what’s normal, what’s not, and how physiotherapy can help you recover, strengthen, and move forward with confidence after birth.
What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Is It So Important?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support your bladder, bowel, uterus, and vagina. These muscles stretch like a hammock from your tailbone to your pubic bone, playing a vital role in continence, sexual function, and organ support.
During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles undergo significant stress. Vaginal deliveries, especially, can stretch or weaken the pelvic floor, and even caesarean births can impact function due to changes in posture, abdominal pressure, and connective tissue tension.
Common Postnatal Pelvic Floor Issues
Here are a few symptoms that many women experience but often don’t talk about:
1. Leaking when you sneeze, cough or exercise (Stress Urinary Incontinence)
This is incredibly common, but not normal. Bladder leaks, even small ones, can indicate your pelvic floor isn’t providing enough support. Physiotherapy can help retrain the muscles and improve bladder control.
2. A feeling of heaviness, dragging, or bulging in the vagina (Pelvic Organ Prolapse)
This may suggest that one or more pelvic organs are descending into the vaginal walls or canal. Prolapse is common after birth, especially with prolonged labour, forceps delivery, or large babies, but it can be treated and managed.
3. Not making it to the toilet in time (Urge Incontinence)
If you’re experiencing strong urges and not making it to the toilet, or needing to go frequently, this may be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder sensitivity.
4. Pain with sex (Dyspareunia)
Painful intercourse after childbirth, especially with scarring, tightness, or pelvic floor overactivity, is more common than many expect. Gentle pelvic floor therapy and soft tissue techniques can help.
When Should I See a Women’s Health Physiotherapist?
Any time you feel something’s "not quite right" after birth, whether it’s leaking, pain, or discomfort, it’s worth checking in. You don’t have to wait until your six-week check or until symptoms worsen.
A women's health physio can assess your pelvic floor function, guide you on gentle exercises, and help with lifestyle advice, posture, breathwork, and return to movement.
What Happens During a Pelvic Floor Assessment?
At Wholesome Physiotherapy, assessments are tailored, respectful, and guided by your comfort level. Your physio may:
Ask detailed questions about your pregnancy, birth, and symptoms
Assess your breathing patterns, posture, and movement
Perform an internal exam (only with your consent) to check muscle tone, activation, and pelvic organ support
Provide individualised guidance, exercises, or referrals as needed
We believe in giving you a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body and a practical plan to help you move forward.
Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Preventable?
While childbirth increases your risk, pelvic floor issues are not inevitable. Preventative care can make a big difference. During pregnancy, we offer:
Birth preparation physiotherapy to help reduce the risk
Pelvic floor relaxation techniques for labour
Guided perineal massage instruction
Postural, breathing and movement support to reduce strain
What About Pelvic Organ Prolapse - Is That Reversible?
Mild to moderate prolapse can often be improved significantly with physiotherapy. We help with:
Pelvic floor strengthening
Lifestyle adjustments (e.g. lifting, toileting positions)
Fitting and management of pessaries
Exercise modifications to reduce pressure and support healing
In some cases, surgery may be recommended—but conservative management is often very effective.
Why Postnatal Check-Ins Matter
At Wholesome Physiotherapy, we recommend a postnatal pelvic health assessment for all women, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. Just like you’d rehab a sprained ankle, your pelvic floor deserves the same care after childbirth.
Whether you’ve just had your baby or are several years postpartum, it’s never too late to reconnect with and strengthen your pelvic floor.
Our Services to Support Your Postnatal Recovery
We offer a range of women’s health services, including:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Postnatal Recovery Programs
Pessary Fitting and Support for Prolapse
Exercise Prescription and Clinical Pilates
Birth Preparation Consults
Support for Menstrual and Menopausal Changes
Our approach is always trauma-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to you.
Pelvic floor issues after birth are common, but they don’t have to be your new normal. If you’re dealing with prolapse, incontinence, or just want to feel stronger and more in control, support is available, and it can make a world of difference.
This Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month, take a moment to tune in to your body. If something feels off, don’t wait. Book an appointment with a women’s health physio and give your pelvic floor the attention it deserves.