Preparing the Pelvic Floor for Birth

Support your body through pregnancy. Prepare confidently for birth and recovery.

At Balanced Physiotherapy & Pilates in Jervis Bay, our prenatal pelvic floor assessments are a core part of your pregnancy care. These tailored appointments help identify factors that may increase your risk of pelvic floor trauma during a vaginal birth—and guide early intervention if needed.

Why It Matters

Your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in birth. During a vaginal delivery, they stretch up to three times their normal length—and how they function could impact your risk of tearing, your ability to push effectively, and how well you recover afterwards. A pelvic floor that’s does not have much flexibility, is higher in tone or unable to relax may lend to a longer second stage of labour or an instrumental delivery. That’s why early screening and follow-up assessments are a core part of our Pregnancy Model of Care.

PREPARING THE PELVIC FLOOR FOR BIRTH

Your Pregnancy Pelvic Floor Timeline

First Assessment – 20 to 26 Weeks

Focus: Screening for risk factors that may increase pelvic floor trauma during vaginal birth.

You’ll receive:

  • A discussion of your pelvic health and symptoms

  • Internal pelvic floor exam (with consent), assessing:

    • Muscle tone, strength, and coordination

    • Ability to relax and let go

    • Tissue flexibility

    • Ability to push

  • Initial feedback on any findings

  • Recommendations for follow-up

Reassessment – 32 to 36 Weeks

Focus: Reassessing how your body is preparing for birth and whether intervention is needed.

We’ll explore:

  • How well is your pelvic floor adapting in preparation for labour?

  • Has your strength or flexibility changed?

  • Do we need to begin perineal massage, manual therapy, or relaxation techniques?

  • Are there tools or strategies we can teach to support your birth plan?

Based on your presentation, we’ll guide you on the most appropriate next steps to help you feel informed and supported as you prepare for labour.

Why Choose This Assessment?

This assessment might be for you if you:

  • Want to reduce the risk of tearing or pelvic floor trauma

  • Are planning a vaginal birth

  • Have pelvic floor symptoms suggestive of a hypertonic pelvic floor, for example:

    • Urgency or overactive bladder

    • A history of pelvic pain (e.g endometriosis)

    • Pain during intercourse

    • Constipation

Book Your PreNatal Pelvic Floor Assessment

Start preparing today with expert support from women’s health physiotherapists who understand pregnancy, birth, and recovery. In-person appointments at our Vincentia clinic in Jervis Bay.

NOT SURE IF WE CAN HELP?

SEND US AN ENQUIRY AND WE CAN GET BACK TO YOU.