Preparing for Birth: How Pelvic Physiotherapy Can Help You Have a Smoother Delivery

You've packed your hospital bag, painted the nursery, and read the baby books. But have you prepared the actual muscles that will be doing the heavy lifting during labor?

Birth is arguably the most intense athletic event your body will ever go through. Yet, standard prenatal care rarely includes specific physical preparation for the pelvic floor. That's where Birth Prep Physiotherapy comes in.

Why Prepare the Pelvic Floor?

During a vaginal delivery, your pelvic floor muscles must stretch up to three times their normal length to allow the baby to pass.

If those muscles are chronically tight, anxious, or uncoordinated, the pushing phase can take longer, and the risk of severe tearing increases. We want your muscles to be flexible, relaxed, and ready to yield.

What Does a Birth Prep Session Look Like?

Ideally starting around 34-35 weeks of pregnancy, we work with you to build physical and mental confidence for labor:

• Perineal Massage Instruction: We teach you how to safely perform perineal massage. This gently stretches the tissues at the opening of the vagina, increasing elasticity and blood flow to help reduce the risk of tearing (episiotomy).

• Labor Positions: Lying flat on your back actually closes the pelvic outlet by up to 30%. We will show you active, upright positions (using a birth ball, peanut ball, or squatting) that open the pelvis and use gravity to your advantage.

• "Open Glottis" Pushing: We train you how to push by bearing down with your breath, rather than holding your breath and straining (purple pushing). This protects your pelvic floor and conserves your energy.

  
  

Prepare your body for the marathon of birth. We are here to help you feel empowered, informed, and ready. Visit Milton Physio Plus today to book an appointment!