Is This Normal After Birth? Pelvic Floor Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore.
After having a baby, it’s common to hear phrases like “your body just needs time” or “that’s part of motherhood.” While healing does take time, certain symptoms are not something you have to accept or push through. Many postpartum pelvic floor symptoms are common, but that does not mean they are normal or untreatable.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help identify what your body actually needs and guide you through recovery in a way that feels supportive and empowering.
Common Postpartum Symptoms People Are Told to Ignore
Many new parents experience symptoms like these after delivery:
Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis and/or vaginal region
Pain with sex or fear of returning to intimacy
Tailbone, hip, or low back pain
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowels
Core weakness or feeling disconnected from your body
If any of these are lingering beyond the early postpartum weeks or getting worse over time, they are worth addressing.
Why These Symptoms Happen
Pregnancy and childbirth place a huge demand on your pelvic floor, core, and nervous system. Muscles may become stretched, weak, tight, or poorly coordinated. Scar tissue from vaginal tearing or a C-section can limit mobility and create discomfort. Hormonal changes can also affect tissue health and sensation.
These changes are real and physical, not something you need to just wait out.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring balance, strength, and coordination in your body. Treatment may include:
Gentle manual therapy to address muscle tension and scar tissue
Breathing and relaxation strategies to improve muscle coordination
Core and pelvic floor retraining tailored to your daily activities
Education on posture, movement, and return to exercise
Guidance for returning to intimacy at a pace that feels right for you
Care is always individualized and never rushed. Your comfort and goals guide the process.
When to Seek Support
You do not need to wait until symptoms are severe or disruptive to get help. Pelvic floor PT can be beneficial whether you are six weeks postpartum or several years out from delivery. If something feels off, that is reason enough to seek care.
Early support can prevent symptoms from becoming long-term issues and help you feel more confident in your body as you move forward.
Let’s Work Together
At Rhode Island Pelvic Wellness, we believe postpartum care should be proactive, supportive, and personalized. We take the time to listen, assess the whole body, and create a plan that fits your life, not the other way around.
Want to learn more about who we are and how we approach postpartum care? Visit our About Us page to get to know our team and philosophy.
Have questions about pelvic floor therapy or postpartum recovery? Our FAQ page walks you through what to expect and how we can help.
Ready to feel stronger and more supported after birth? Explore our services to see how pelvic floor physical therapy can support your recovery.
