Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Pelvic Floor After Birth

By Dr. Meg Siegel, PT, DPT, Pelvic Floor Specialist and Birth Doula

Pregnancy and birth are powerful transformations — not just emotionally and spiritually, but physically. While many new moms expect changes like sleep deprivation or hormonal shifts, fewer are prepared for what happens to their pelvic floor after birth.

What Is the Pelvic Floor, Anyway?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your uterus, bladder, and bowel. These muscles also play a crucial role in core stability, bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall well-being.

During pregnancy and delivery — especially vaginal birth — the pelvic floor undergoes incredible strain. Even C-sections impact these muscles due to the pressure and weight of pregnancy.

Common Pelvic Floor Issues After Birth

Postpartum pelvic floor symptoms are common, but they’re not normal to live with long-term. Some signs your pelvic floor might need some TLC:

    •    Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, or exercise

    •    A heavy or “falling out” sensation in the vagina (prolapse)

    •    Painful intercourse

    •    Constipation or difficulty fully emptying the bowels

    •    Lower back, hip, or tailbone pain

These symptoms can show up weeks, months, or even years after giving birth — but early intervention makes recovery smoother.

Why Every Postpartum Person Deserves a Pelvic Floor Assessment

In many countries, pelvic floor rehab is a standard part of postpartum care. In the U.S., it’s still underutilized — but it’s gaining traction.

A pelvic floor physical therapist assesses how your muscles are healing, helps you retrain and strengthen your core, and guides you back to the activities you love (yes, including sex and exercise!).

When to See a Pelvic Floor PT

Even if you had an uncomplicated delivery and feel fine, a check-in with a pelvic floor PT is a smart move — kind of like a postpartum “tune-up.”

✅ After vaginal or C-section birth

✅ If you had a perineal tear or episiotomy

✅ If you’re planning to return to exercise

✅ If sex is painful

✅ If you’re leaking or feel pelvic heaviness

✅ Or if you just want to reconnect with your core and body after baby

How I Can Help

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, I work with postpartum women to:

    •    Reduce pain and dysfunction

    •    Heal perineal tears and C-section scars

    •    Build back strength and confidence

    •    Support long-term pelvic and core health

I offer 1:1 sessions, birth prep coaching, and custom postpartum rehab packages in Newark, DE and West Chester, PA.

 You carried life. You deserve care that supports you beyond birth.

Let’s change the narrative around postpartum recovery — and give every mom the support she deserves.