Training for the Marathon of Birth: Why Pelvic Floor PT Isn’t Just for Postpartum Pain

By Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Hannah Jones, PT, DPT, OCS

Most people agree that training for a marathon is essential before you cross the starting line. Yet, when it comes to pregnancy, labor, and delivery—a grueling, nine-month physical marathon of growing and birthing a human—we often skip the training and expect our bodies to just know the route.

While many patients seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist to resolve existing back pain or sciatica, proactive “performance training” during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to prepare your body for childbirth and protect your long-term wellness.

The Performance Benefits of Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy

Working with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist during early and mid-pregnancy offers distinct, research-backed advantages that go far beyond basic pain management:

Decreased Risk of Severe Tearing: Research demonstrates that addressing breathing coordination and targeted pelvic floor muscle training early in pregnancy significantly reduces the occurrence of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears during delivery.
Reduced Urinary Incontinence: Learning how to properly relax and contract the pelvic floor can prevent or dramatically reduce stress incontinence both during pregnancy and postpartum.
Maintaining Fitness and Lifting Goals: You do not have to abandon the gym. A pelvic floor specialist helps you safely modify lifting techniques, maintain your PRs (personal records), and preserve core stability without placing unsafe pressure on your pelvic floor or abdominal wall.
Customized Birth and Labor Prep: In the later stages of pregnancy, your therapist guides you through pelvic biomechanics, teaches you how to effectively push, reviews optimal labor positions tailored to your body, and designs an immediate postpartum recovery plan.

Proactive Care From Specialized Physical Therapists

Pregnancy is a high-performance athletic event. Having a highly specialized physical therapist guide you through every trimester ensures you can stay active, strong, and deeply involved in the activities that matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you start pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy?

While you can benefit from pelvic floor PT at any stage of pregnancy, starting in the early second trimester (around 12 to 16 weeks) allows ample time to build muscle coordination, address breathing patterns, and safely maintain your strength training routines.

Can pelvic floor PT help prevent tearing during childbirth?

Yes. Clinical studies show that early intervention with pelvic floor physical therapy—specifically focusing on breathing and pelvic floor muscle coordination—can significantly decrease the incidence of severe third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.

Is it safe to lift weights and exercise while seeing a pelvic floor PT?

Absolutely. A primary goal of prenatal physical therapy is to keep you active. Your therapist will evaluate your movement patterns to ensure you can continue weightlifting or exercising safely while protecting your pelvic floor and core.

Prepare for Your Journey with Expert Care

Whether your goal is safely maintaining your lifting routine at your local gym or ensuring a smoother delivery and postpartum recovery, you don’t have to navigate the physical demands of pregnancy alone.

Our specialized pelvic floor physical therapists are here to guide you through every stage of your prenatal and postpartum journey. Visit our Franklin or Brentwood physical therapy clinics to build a customized birth preparation and performance plan designed specifically for your body.

Click “Learn More” to connect with our team and schedule your initial consultation today.

Book a Call With Pelvic Floor Expert Hannah Jones, PT, DPT, OCS HERE