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.