If you're pregnant and you've been told seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is beneficial, you may be a little more than hesitant to seek out my profession. I totally get it!

Imagine stepping into childbirth feeling strong, prepared, and in tune with your body. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how a pelvic floor PT evaluation can be your secret weapon—not just for tackling leaks, hip pain, or coccyx discomfort, but for rocking your delivery and postpartum recovery. Whether you’re a first-time mom or growing your family again, here’s what to expect at an evaluation with me, Dr. Betsey, DPT, and how it sets you up for a confident birth.

What’s the Pelvic Floor, Anyway?

Think of your pelvic floor as a hammock of muscles, tendons, and connective tissue at the base of your pelvis. It’s the unsung hero supporting your bladder, bowels, and—during pregnancy—your precious baby. I call its roles the ‘five S’s’:

• Supportive: Holds up your organs (and that growing uterus!).

• Sphincteric: Controls bladder and bowel function.

• Sexual: Aids arousal and intimacy.

• Stabilizing: Keeps your hips, pelvis, and back steady.

• Sump Pump: Pumps out fluid and waste.

When it’s weak, you might face prolapse or incontinence. Too tight? Think constipation, painful sex, or pelvic pain. For childbirth, it’s not just about strength—it’s about flexibility and knowing how to relax. That’s where I come in.

What Happens at a Pelvic Floor PT Evaluation?

Never been to a pelvic floor PT? Don’t worry—it’s gentler than you think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s the breakdown:

1. History Intake: Your Story Matters
   We start with a real talk—not just a chart skim. I sit with you to hear about your pregnancy, symptoms (leaks when you laugh? Hip aches?), bowel and bladder habits, diet, stress—everything. Pelvic health is complex, so we dig deep to tailor a plan just for you.

2. Postural Examination: From Head to Toe
   Posture affects your pelvic floor more than you’d guess. I’ll check how you sit and stand—head to feet—because slouching or tight hips can throw things off. It’s all connected, especially as your belly grows!

3. Movement Analysis: Move Like a Mama
   Show me what hurts or leaks—like bending for toys—and I’ll spot patterns. I’ll teach you smarter ways to squat or lift, prepping your body for labor and beyond.

4. Orthopedic Assessment: The Big Picture
   With my orthopedic expertise, I check your spine, hips, ribcage, and breathing. A stiff back or faulty breath can mess with your pelvic floor, so we fix that first.

5. Pelvic Floor Assessment: Inside and Out
   Externally, I’ll look at how your pelvic muscles contract and relax—think trigger points or weaknesses. Internally (via vagina or rectum, if you’re comfy), I assess strength, tension, and symmetry. Not up for it? No pressure—we stick to external. And forget the kegel myth—tight floors don’t need more squeezing, especially before birth.

6. Patient Education: Knowledge Is Power
   I love this part—arming you with tips to take control. We’ll craft a home plan, from breathing tricks to stretches, so you’re ready for the big day.

7. Treatment: Your Path to Strength
   Depending on you, we might try trigger point release, joint mobilization (hips, coccyx), biofeedback, or movement retraining. It’s not a quick fix—it’s long-term empowerment for birth and beyond.

How This Preps You for Childbirth

Here’s the magic: this evaluation isn’t just about fixing leaks—it’s your childbirth superpower. I’ll teach you to push like a pro, syncing breath with your pelvic floor so contractions work with you. We’ll open your hips and back with mobility moves and labor positions (squats, hands-and-knees) to ease baby’s descent. Around 36 weeks, I’ll guide you through perineal massage—proven to cut tearing risk—so you feel ready for that final stretch.

Take my 32-week mama terrified of tearing. She was clenching without knowing it. With breathing and stretches, she relaxed her pelvic floor, delivered confidently, and recovered smoothly. That’s what I want for you—control, not guesswork.

Postpartum Perks and Beyond

This prep carries over. A balanced pelvic floor means less incontinence or heaviness after birth. While I see patients from 5 to 95—not just moms—these tools are gold for new mamas. Even late in pregnancy, a few sessions can shift the game.

Accessibility for All: Meet The Push Lab

I get it—seeing a pelvic floor PT isn’t always doable. Rural life, costs, or time can block the way. That’s why I created Push Lab, my evidence-based virtual birth class. It brings my PT expertise—breathing, pushing, perineal massage—right to you. HSA-eligible and yours forever, it’s built to support every pregnancy God blesses you with. Because every mama deserves this power, no matter where you are.

Your Next Step

You don’t have to navigate pregnancy alone. A pelvic floor PT evaluation—or The Push Lab—can transform your journey into one of strength and joy. Ready to feel unstoppable? Check out Push Lab and step into childbirth with confidence and peace. You’ve got this, mama—I’m cheering you on!

From your girl on the internet who cares about your motherhood journey,

xo, Dr. Betsey, DPT