Why “Common” Isn’t the Same as “Normal” during Pregnancy
Pregnancy places increased load, pressure, and hormonal influence on your pelvis, core, and pelvic floor. That part is expected.
What’s not expected?
➡️ Persistent pain
➡️ Leaking urine
➡️ Pelvic heaviness
➡️ Pain with movement, sex, or daily tasks
Those are signals, not badges of honor. And pelvic floor therapy exists to address them early—before they snowball into harder recoveries postpartum.
1. Leaking Urine (Stress Incontinence)
Why It’s Common
As your baby grows, pressure increases downward onto the bladder and pelvic floor. Add in hormonal changes (hello, relaxin), altered posture, and changes in breathing mechanics—and suddenly sneezing becomes risky.
Many moms are told:
“It’s normal to leak when you’re pregnant.”
Why It’s Not Normal
Leaking is a sign of load mismanagement, not simply weakness. In fact, many pregnant moms with leaking actually have overactive or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles, not weak ones.
Research shows that urinary incontinence during pregnancy is a risk factor for postpartum incontinence, especially if unaddressed.
(International Continence Society)
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
Improves breathing mechanics and pressure management
Addresses posture and rib-pelvis stacking
Strengthens hips and core without defaulting to endless Kegels
At enCORE Therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on how your system works together, not just squeezing muscles harder.
2. Pelvic Girdle Pain (SPD / SI Joint Pain)
Why It’s Common
Hormones increase ligament laxity to prepare for birth. While that’s helpful later, it can create instability earlier, especially if strength and alignment don’t adapt alongside it.
Pelvic girdle pain may show up as:
Pubic bone pain
SI joint pain
Sharp pain rolling in bed or standing on one leg
Why It’s Not Normal
Pain that interferes with walking, sleep, or daily life is not an inevitable pregnancy symptom. Persistent pelvic pain is linked to altered gait patterns, muscle imbalances, and inefficient load transfer.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), musculoskeletal pain should be evaluated—not dismissed.
What Helps
Targeted strength (glutes, adductors, deep core)
Functional movement retraining
Modifying daily tasks (how you stand, dress, get out of bed)
This is a core part of birth prep—because pain-free movement matters before labor begins.
3. Pelvic Heaviness or Pressure
Why It’s Common
As baby grows, downward pressure increases. Many moms describe a sensation of:
“Something is going to fall out”
Vaginal heaviness by the end of the day
Increased discomfort with standing or walking
Why It’s Not Normal
While pressure awareness can happen, persistent heaviness may be an early sign of pelvic organ support changes or poor load management.
Pelvic floor symptoms during pregnancy don’t always resolve on their own—and ignoring them can increase postpartum recovery time.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes early intervention for pelvic floor symptoms rather than a wait-and-see approach.
How Therapy Supports You
Pelvic floor therapy addresses:
How pressure moves through your body
Strategies to reduce downward load
Strength and endurance for daily demands
This isn’t about fear—it’s about supporting your tissues while they’re adapting.
4. Tailbone, Low Back, or Hip Pain
Why It’s Common
Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity forward. Many moms compensate with:
Increased anterior pelvic tilt
Rib flare
Over-recruitment of back muscles
Over time, this can overload the tailbone, lumbar spine, and hips.
Why It’s Not Normal
Pain isn’t a requirement of pregnancy. Persistent discomfort is often tied to:
Poor movement strategies
Reduced rotational capacity
Lack of posterior chain strength
Pain patterns during pregnancy often mirror what shows up postpartum—unless addressed early.
What Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Does Differently
Rather than isolated stretching, therapy focuses on:
Whole-body mechanics
Rotational and functional strength
Real-life movements (lifting toddlers, carrying groceries, sleeping positions)
That’s true birth prep, not just symptom management.
5. Pain With Sex or Vaginal Exams
Why It’s Common
Hormonal shifts increase blood flow and tissue sensitivity. Add muscle guarding from stress or prior pain, and discomfort can appear—even if sex was pain-free before pregnancy.
Why It’s Not Normal
Pain with penetration, exams, or internal pressure is often a sign of pelvic floor tension, not weakness.
Ignoring this can impact:
Birth experience
Pushing phase coordination
Postpartum recovery and intimacy
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights pelvic floor muscle overactivity as a contributor to pelvic pain—not something to ignore.
How Therapy Helps
Teaches relaxation and lengthening strategies
Improves nervous system regulation
Prepares the pelvic floor for elongation during birth
This is especially important for moms planning vaginal birth or wanting a smoother postpartum transition.
Why Birth Prep Should Start Before Labor
Birth prep isn’t just perineal massage and breathing techniques at 37 weeks. It’s about:
How your body handles pressure
How efficiently muscles coordinate
How adaptable your pelvis is before labor begins
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy is proactive care—not damage control.
At enCORE Therapy, we support moms across Kansas City and Overland Park with evidence-based pelvic floor physical therapy that meets you where you are—whether you’re early pregnancy or weeks from birth.
You Deserve Support Now, Not Just Postpartum
Your body is doing something incredible—but that doesn’t mean discomfort is the price of admission.
If something feels off, heavy, painful, or limiting:
👉 You’re not broken
👉 You’re not behind
👉 And you don’t have to “just wait until after the baby”
Pelvic floor therapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and approach birth with confidence—not fear.
If you’re pregnant and wondering what’s normal vs. common, pelvic floor physical therapy can give you clarity, tools, and support—right now. Don’t wait, call me today
