169- Pregnant? When and Why You Need to See a Pelvic Floor PT and Why Waiting For Postpartum Can Be the Harder Path

Signs, symptoms & why waiting until postpartum may be the harder path Most women don’t even know they can see a pelvic floor physical therapist while pregnant. They’re told leaking is normal.Pelvic pain is normal.Pressure is normal.Back pain is normal. And while those symptoms may be common in pregnancy — they are not something you simply have to live with. In this episode, Dr. Des breaks down when to see a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy, what red flags to watch for, and why proactive support can completely change your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Because pregnancy isn’t something you’re meant to survive — it’s something you can move through with strength, strategy, and support. In This Episode, We Cover: Why pelvic floor PT during pregnancy is often overlooked The biggest misconception about “waiting until postpartum” Common but NOT normal symptoms in pregnancy Bladder leaking, urgency, and frequent UTIs Pelvic pain, pubic symphysis pain, SI joint pain, and tailbone pain Vaginal pressure or heaviness Pain with intercourse during pregnancy How breath mechanics and posture shift as baby grows Why prevention is easier than rehab What a pelvic floor PT actually does during pregnancy Birth prep strategies including pushing mechanics and positioning 🚩 Signs You Should See a Pelvic Floor PT While Pregnant You do not need to be miserable to qualify. If you are experiencing: Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise Pelvic pressure or heaviness Pubic bone, groin, or SI joint pain Tailbone discomfort Severe hip or low back pain Pain with intercourse A history of traumatic birth, prolapse, tearing, or C-section Chronic constipation It’s worth getting evaluated. And even if you don’t have symptoms — learning how to coordinate your breath, core, and pelvic floor before delivery can make postpartum recovery significantly smoother. Why Pregnancy Is the Best Time to Start Hormones increase joint laxity.Your center of gravity shifts.Your breathing pattern changes.Pressure on the pelvic floor increases. Your body is adapting rapidly — which means it’s also highly trainable. It’s far easier to build coordination and resilience before delivery than to repair dysfunction after. What Does Pelvic Floor PT in Pregnancy Look Like? Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy may include: Postural assessment Breath retraining Core and glute coordination Manual therapy for pain Downtraining for pelvic floor tension Birth prep and pushing education Perineal massage instruction Strategies to prevent tearing and prolapse Internal exams are always optional — you are in control. Not Local? Here Are Your Options If you’re in Northern New Mexico, you can work with Dr. Des in-person at The Balanced Momtality clinic. If you’re not local — or want a structured, guided program — RESTORE inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App is designed to help you: ✔️ Build breath-core coordination✔️ Reduce tension and pain✔️ Strengthen safely during pregnancy✔️ Prepare your body for labor✔️ Support postpartum recovery Because you deserve more than “wait and see.” ✨ Pregnancy is not damage control.It’s preparation. If this episode helped you, share it with a pregnant friend who deserves better support. And as always — you don’t have to do this alone. ~ XODr. Des 💛 Want a Structured Way to Rebuild Safety in Your Body during Pregnancy and Beyond? 🌀 Ready to feel stronger, more confident, and in tune with what it needs? If you’re done guessing and googling… If you’re ready to stop modifying your workouts out of fear… If you’re ready to move, lift, run, and LIVE without leaking, pain, or pressure... Then it’s time for RESTORE — my 12-week signature pelvic floor & core rehab program Evidence-based. Nervous system-informed. Holistically healing. Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor