On the Blog: What Happens to Your Pelvic Floor During Vaginal Birth (And How to Protect It)
You’ve packed the hospital bag, chosen your pram, maybe even done a birth course.
But have you thought about what actually happens to your pelvic floor during labour?
Because here’s the truth: Your pelvic floor doesn’t just “bounce back” after birth. It goes through one of the most intense physical events the human body can experience.
Let’s break it down: what actually happens in birth
During a vaginal birth, your baby moves through the birth canal—and your pelvic floor muscles need to stretch to make that possible.
We’re not talking about a little stretch. We’re talking up to three times their normal length.
That’s an enormous ask for a group of muscles that most people have never consciously trained.
In an ideal world, those muscles lengthen gradually, respond to pressure well, and then return to function smoothly.
But in real life? It’s often a different story.
What can go wrong (and how it affects recovery)
If the pelvic floor is:
Unable to relax (hypertonic)
Not strong enough
Uncoordinated with breath and movement
…it can increase your chances of:
Perineal tearing
Pelvic organ prolapse
Incontinence
Pain or discomfort postpartum
And the frustrating part?
Most women are never told this. That’s why I do the education I do, to get this vital info out to more women.
The good news: you can prepare your pelvic floor
Like any muscle group, the pelvic floor responds to training—when done right.
That’s why pelvic floor prep is one of the smartest things you can do during pregnancy.
It’s not about doing endless kegels or hoping for the best.
It’s about learning how to:
Coordinate your pelvic floor with your breath
Gently release tension (yes, letting go matters)
Strengthen support muscles like your glutes and deep core
Position your body in labour in ways that support your pelvic floor and reduce tearing risk
This is exactly what we cover inside the Pelvic Floor Prep for Birth Course
Designed by a women’s health physio, this course walks you through:
The science of your pelvic floor in pregnancy and birth
Breath, movement and release techniques
How to prevent common issues like tearing, leaking or prolapse
Recovery planning that starts before birth
It’s education that’s clear, honest, and based on the latest clinical evidence.
Want to give your body the best shot at a smooth recovery?
Protecting your pelvic floor starts now—not after something goes wrong.
Watch my free 20min class and learn how birth prep can benefit you during pregnancy, and set you up for the best birth experience possible.
