Our Birth Prep Program: Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy & Birth Prep
You don’t have to wait for back pain, leaking, or pelvic pressure to see a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy. If you’re feeling good but want guidance on your core, pelvic floor, and preparation for delivery, preventive care gives you a place to start.
At Women’s Pelvic Health & Wellness in Englewood, Colorado, our Preventive Pregnancy Plan provides personalized support at key points throughout pregnancy. We begin with a second trimester evaluation and continue with visits focused on perineal massage education, pushing preparation, postpartum planning, and partner labor support.
Should I Start Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy Without Pelvic Floor Concerns?
Yes! You can schedule a prenatal pelvic floor evaluation even if you don’t have symptoms.
You may want to understand how your pelvic floor works, ask questions about exercise, or prepare for labor. Your initial eval is a place to talk about your goals and build a plan around your changing body.
Our preventive pregnancy care focuses on education, movement, and birth preparation, with the timing and approach personalized to you. Everything we do during pregnancy prepares for a better postpartum recovery!
2nd Trimester: Posture, Core & Pelvic Floor Evaluation
Your first visit includes an assessment of your posture, core, and pelvic floor. We look at how you move and discuss how your body is adapting to pregnancy.
During your second trimester evaluation, we’ll explore:
Your posture and everyday movement patterns
Core coordination and breathing
Pelvic floor function and awareness
Your exercise routine and activity goals
Any symptoms, concerns, or questions about birth
You don’t need to know what to ask before you arrive. Whether you’re wondering about lifting weights, connecting with your pelvic floor, or staying comfortable at work, we’ll help you identify priorities for your care.
32 Weeks: Perineal Massage & Tissue Prep
At your visit around 32 weeks, we introduce perineal massage education and tissue preparation.
We’ll explain what perineal massage involves, discuss whether it’s appropriate for your pregnancy, and help you understand when and how you might begin. This education visit does not mean everyone should start massage at 32 weeks; recommendations are individualized.
You’ll have time to ask questions and learn techniques in a setting that respects your comfort and preferences. Any hands-on care is based on your consent and relevant guidance from your pregnancy care team.
36 Weeks: Pushing Practice
I hear stories everyday of women who get to 10 cm and the nurse tells them to start pushing. And you don’t even know what that means. We want you to understand how to push and what positions you push best in.
Around 36 weeks, we focus on:
Breathing strategies for labor and pushing
Pelvic floor coordination and relaxation
Practicing pushing strategies
Exploring labor and delivery positions
We’ll help you become more familiar with these movements and discuss how your preferences may fit into different delivery situations.
Around 38 Weeks: Partner Birth Prep & Labor Support
At approximately 38 weeks, bring your partner or chosen support person for a visit focused on practical labor support. This is different from the hospital birth prep class. This is specific to your body with hands-on practice for your partner.
Together, we’ll review:
Ways to support different labor positions (with your partner)
Comfort measures to practice together
How to communicate your preferences
Planning for postpartum recovery
Your support person can ask questions and practice alongside you. This session gives you both time to discuss what helps you feel comfortable and supported before labor begins.
Birth Preparation That Fits Your Needs
Your care should reflect your body, your pregnancy, and your goals.
Whether you’re planning an epidural, hoping for an unmedicated delivery, or preparing for a C-section, we’ll tailor each session to your needs.
If you’re already in your third trimester, you can still reach out. You are never too late! We’ll discuss where you are in pregnancy and which visits make sense for you.