When Should Pregnant Women See a Pelvic Health Physio?

Most women are told to prepare for labour by attending antenatal classes, tracking their baby’s growth, and staying active. But when should pregnant women see a pelvic health physio? It’s one of the most important and overlooked steps in preparing for birth and recovery.

Working with a pelvic health physio can make a significant difference in how women feel throughout their pregnancy, birth, and recovery. These specialised assessments help identify early signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, manage pain, and prepare for a smoother postpartum transition.

Why it matters to see a pelvic health physio during pregnancy

Pregnancy places a growing load on the core and pelvic floor. As the baby develops, the abdominal wall stretches, breathing patterns change, and postural adaptations take place. These changes can cause:

• Pelvic girdle pain or low back discomfort
  
• Pelvic floor tension or weakness
  
• Leaking with coughing or sneezing
  
• Prolapse symptoms or pressure
  
• Difficulty with breath control or intra-abdominal pressure
  

A pelvic health physio is trained to assess and treat these changes in a way that is safe and supportive at every stage of pregnancy.

When to book your appointments: trimester by trimester

Ideally, women should have multiple touchpoints with a pelvic health physio throughout pregnancy. Here’s a simple guide to timing:

First Appointment: 12–20 Weeks

This is the ideal window for a comprehensive internal pelvic floor assessment, especially for first-time mums or anyone with past pelvic concerns.

At this stage, a vaginal exam is safe for most women. It allows the physio to:

• Check for overactive or underactive pelvic floor muscles
  
• Assess how well the pelvic floor muscles coordinate with breathing and movement, and whether they have enough endurance to support pregnancy and birth
• Identify any early signs of prolapse or tension
  
• Teach correct pushing strategies well before labour

If a woman is not comfortable with a vaginal exam, there are alternative ways to assess muscle function externally.

Second Appointment: 28–32 Weeks

In the third trimester, the focus shifts toward birth preparation and adapting to a changing body.

This appointment can include:

• Review of birth positioning
  
• Pushing technique guidance (especially for those with tight pelvic floors)
  
• Breathing strategies to manage intra-abdominal pressure
  
• Adjustments to exercise routines as the baby grows
  

Optional Follow-Up: 36 Weeks and Beyond

A follow-up closer to birth can support final birth planning and help women feel confident heading into labour. For women with symptoms like leaking, heaviness, or discomfort, this session provides reassurance and targeted tools for comfort.

What about the abdominal wall?

Abdominal wall assessments are most relevant in the second and third trimesters. A physio will check for:

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
  
• Breath-holding patterns eg: (e.g. bracing or holding the breath during simple movements like getting up from a chair or lifting something)
  
• Postural shifts that affect the core and pelvic floor
  

Early awareness helps women avoid strategies that increase pressure or delay healing postpartum.

If you only have one session…

While multiple appointments are ideal, even one session between 16 and 20 weeks can be incredibly helpful. At this stage, most women are comfortable, and internal exams are safe. It also gives enough time to apply the physio’s recommendations during pregnancy and birth.

Support starts before birth

Seeing a pelvic health physio during pregnancy is not just about managing symptoms. It is about supporting the body through change, reducing complications, and preparing for birth in a way that feels informed and empowered.

Want to feel confident, strong, and supported throughout your pregnancy?
A qualified MumSafe™ Trainer works closely with pelvic health professionals and understands how to modify movement for every stage of motherhood. Together, we help you move safely, reduce discomfort, and prepare for the months ahead.

MumSafe™ Trainers are pre and postnatally certified, work alongside Women’s Health Physiotherapists, and are committed to ongoing education. When you train with us, you know you’re in safe hands.

Click here to find your local pre and postnatal trainer

Are you a trainer who wants to offer this kind of support?
Click here to express your interest in joining the MumSafe™ team.