Pelvic Floor Health After Childbirth: What Every New Mom Should Know
- Posted on: Nov 10 2025
By: Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology in Fort Worth and Granbury, TX
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most powerful things your body will ever do. It is beautiful, emotional, and life altering. It is also physically demanding in ways many women are never told about. At Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology, we talk openly about postpartum pelvic floor health because every mom deserves to feel strong, confident, and comfortable in her body again.
If you are experiencing leaking when you laugh, pressure in your pelvis, or discomfort during intimacy, you are not alone. This is incredibly common and nothing to feel embarrassed about. The pelvic floor works hard during pregnancy and childbirth, and like any set of muscles, it needs time and support to recover.
Why Pelvic Floor Changes Happen Postpartum
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. During pregnancy, these muscles carry extra weight for months. During vaginal childbirth, they stretch to make room for the baby’s descent. Even a smooth delivery requires significant expansion that the muscles need time to rebound from.
When these muscles do not recover fully right away, you might notice:
- Leaking when sneezing, laughing, or coughing
- A heavy or dragging feeling in the pelvis
- Pain during intimacy
- Lower back or hip discomfort
- Difficulty controlling gas or bowel movements
None of these symptoms mean something is wrong with you. They simply mean your pelvic floor is asking for attention.
You Are Not Alone
Studies show that one in three women experiences pelvic floor weakness after childbirth. Many women try to ignore it or assume it will go away eventually, but early support can prevent long term discomfort and help you feel strong again much sooner.
At Grace, our providers take pelvic floor health seriously because we know how much it affects your confidence, your comfort, and your daily life.
Pelvic Floor Care at Grace OBGYN
Our postpartum care is rooted in reassurance, education, and genuine compassion. Patients regularly tell us how seen and supported they feel here, which is exactly the kind of environment you deserve during such a vulnerable time.
“I love Dena. She is very comforting and kind. My last OB never gave me much information and I felt rushed. Here I do not feel rushed and she tells me everything I need to know. She makes sure I can ask any question and she is so patient and reassuring.”
Grace OBGYN Patient Review
Here is what pelvic floor support looks like in our practice.
Postpartum Assessment at Your 6 Week Visit
We check pelvic floor tone, scar healing if applicable, and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. Identifying concerns early helps prevent long term issues.
Specialized Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Referrals
We work closely with trusted pelvic floor therapy partners who specialize in postpartum recovery. These therapists help you rebuild strength safely and comfortably.
Lifestyle and Core Strength Guidance
We teach gentle exercises that support recovery, help you improve bladder habits, and protect your core as you return to movement and everyday tasks.
Follow Up Visits for Emotional and Physical Healing
Your postpartum journey affects your body and your heart. We continue checking in on both because true recovery requires whole person care.
“Dr. Rex makes me feel comfortable and relaxed during each visit. I love her friendly personality.”
Patient Review
When women feel comfortable with their provider, they heal better. That is why we create space for open, honest conversation where nothing feels awkward or rushed.
What You Can Do at Home
If you are cleared by your provider, you can begin gentle strengthening exercises such as:
Pelvic Floor Engagement (Kegels)
Tighten your pelvic muscles for ten seconds, relax, and repeat ten times. Do three sets a day.
Bridge Pose
Lie on your back with knees bent, lift your hips, and engage your core and pelvic floor. This strengthens the glutes and lower core which support your pelvic muscles.
Gentle Yoga or Deep Breathing
Focused breathing helps your nervous system relax which improves pelvic floor tension and recovery.
Avoid heavy lifting or high impact workouts until your provider gives you the green light.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you are experiencing any of the following, schedule a visit:
- Leaking that continues beyond the first weeks
- Feeling like something is bulging or falling
- Persistent pain with intimacy
- Lower back pain connected to core weakness
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions
These symptoms are common but they are not something you have to live with. The sooner we evaluate your pelvic floor, the sooner you can begin the healing process.
We Are Here to Support Your Postpartum Journey
At Grace, we honor the strength it takes to care for a newborn while recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. Pelvic floor changes are normal, but you deserve personalized support and answers you can trust.
Our team in Fort Worth and Granbury is here to help you regain confidence in your body, feel comfortable again, and enjoy life without leaks or discomfort.
Call to Action
If you are experiencing pelvic pressure or leaking after birth, do not wait or hope it goes away on its own. We can help.
Schedule a postpartum pelvic floor checkup with one of our providers today.
Further Reading
Gestational Diabetes – Mayo Clinic
Posted in: Well-Woman Visit, Women's Health