Pregnancy brings huge changes to the body, and one area that often needs extra support is the pelvic floor. These muscles form a supportive hammock at the base of the pelvis, holding up the bladder, bowel, and uterus, while also playing a vital role in pregnancy and childbirth. As your baby grows, the increased weight and hormonal changes place more strain on the pelvic floor, which can lead to urinary leakage or sensations of heaviness. In fact, 40–50% of women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester experience urinary leakage. Although common, these problems are not inevitable — with the right care, many pelvic-floor related issues can be prevented.
Pelvic floor therapy does more than reduce the risk of urinary leakage; it’s also an excellent way to prepare your body for labour and recovery.
Over the past few years, as a Mummy MOT practitioner, I’ve become fascinated by the pelvic floor and its essential role in pregnancy and beyond. Too often it’s dismissed or overlooked, yet prevention is far more effective than treating symptoms once they appear. Research supports this: a Cochrane review found that antenatal pelvic floor exercises reduce the risk of urinary incontinence in late pregnancy by 62%. Even more encouraging, a recent 2024 review showed that pelvic floor training during pregnancy halves the risk of severe tearing during childbirth. Those numbers speak for themselves.
At Osteo Jura, we combine pelvic floor therapy with osteopathy to support you throughout pregnancy. In your 1st and 2nd trimesters, we can safely assess your pelvic floor with an internal assessment, helping us tailor exercises to your individual needs. Some women benefit from strengthening their pelvic floor, while others need to focus on relaxation and lengthening. We also assess hip and spinal mobility, using gentle hands-on techniques to relieve pressure, improve comfort, and support your pelvic floor function.
Caring for your pelvic floor during pregnancy is one of the best investments you can make for your comfort now and your recovery later. If you’d like support, we'd be delighted to help you prepare your body with a personalised, holistic approach.
