In my work with families, I emphasise the importance of preparing for birth both mentally and physically, highlighting small, practical actions that can help make a big difference during labour and in postnatal recovery. I talk a lot about the benefits of relaxation to the functioning of the mind and body during labour, I also offer a free relaxation MP3 download to help you practise. But did you know that relaxation also benefits pelvic floor health? Pelvic floor exercises are often thought of as something to strengthen muscles, but Sarah, a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at The Pelvic Health Clinic in Leeds, explains that learning to relax your pelvic muscles is just as crucial, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Whether you're planning a vaginal birth or a Caesarean section, practicing pelvic muscle relaxation can greatly benefit your birth experience, recovery, and long-term pelvic health. And if you're reading this after giving birth, Sarah is here to show you what support is available to help you recover and feel your best. While it’s tempting to look for quick fixes, pelvic health recovery isn’t always that simple. But rest assured, there is hope, and Sarah can guide you through it with tailored support and expert advice.
Pelvic relaxation benefits explained by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist: Welcome to the blog Sarah.
"Hi everyone! I’m Sarah, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at The Pelvic Health Clinic, and I’m thrilled to be sharing this guest blog for Positive Birth Leeds. Today, I want to highlight something that’s so important during pregnancy and after birth, but often overlooked: pelvic floor relaxation. Yes, we hear a lot about strengthening the pelvic floor, but learning to relax these muscles is just as crucial—especially when preparing for birth and recovery postpartum.
Pelvic Health in Pregnancy: Why It Matters
During pregnancy, your body is constantly changing to accommodate your growing baby. One of the most hardworking parts of your body during this time is your pelvic floor. This group of muscles, located at the base of your pelvis acts like a hammock, playing an essential role in supporting your baby, bladder, bowel, and uterus. They’re involved in controlling continence and are also linked to sexual function.
As your baby grows, there’s more pressure on the pelvic floor, and that can sometimes lead to symptoms like pelvic pain, discomfort, or even issues like leaking urine when you cough or sneeze. Strengthening your pelvic floor is important, but did you know that relaxing it is just as important? Learning to release tension in your pelvic floor muscles is also essential for birth, as tight or overactive muscles can cause difficulties during delivery of your little one.
How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help?
This is where Pelvic Health Physiotherapy comes in. Through an assessment with a physiotherapist, we can identify whether your pelvic muscles are too tight, weak, overactive or a combination of all three (yes this is possible, a weak muscle can also be tight!) Based on your assessment, we can then create a plan to support your pelvic health during pregnancy by addressing any signs of dysfunction and prepare you for birth and beyond.
One of the key things we work on is teaching you how to relax your pelvic floor. This might sound simple, but many women don’t realise how much tension they carry in these muscles. For birth, it’s vital to be able to let go of this tension. When you’re able to relax your pelvic floor, it allows more space for your baby to move down through the birth canal, which can help make the birth process smoother.
Postnatal Recovery: Strength and Relaxation
After your baby is born, your pelvic floor may feel weak, overactive, tight, uncoordinated, or again a combination of all! Many women are eager to start strengthening their pelvic floor after birth, which is important—but rushing into exercises without addressing underlying dysfunction can actually worsen symptoms and cause more issues further down the line. That’s why a postnatal pelvic health assessment is so beneficial.
We can guide you through gentle exercises that help balance pelvic floor relaxation and strength, ensuring your muscles recover properly and function well. This can prevent issues like incontinence, prolapse, painful sex, or pelvic pain down the line.
When Should You See a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist?
Ideally, every woman should see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist during pregnancy and again after giving birth. Even if you feel well, an assessment can help ensure everything is working as it should be. If you’re experiencing symptoms like pain, discomfort, or incontinence, don’t wait to seek help—a Physiotherapist can provide you with the tools you need to manage and improve your pelvic health.
At The Pelvic Health Clinic, we’re passionate about helping women feel empowered and supported through their pregnancy and postpartum journey. If you’d like to learn more about Pelvic Health Physiotherapy or book an assessment, we’re here to help. A well-functioning pelvic floor is key to a more comfortable pregnancy, smoother birth, and a better recovery.
Thank you for reading, and a special thanks to Charlotte at Positive Birth Leeds for the opportunity to share this with you ☺ Any questions please reach out – I would be happy to chat."
Thank you Sarah for taking the time to share your knowledge in this blog.
If you want help practising mental and physical relaxation, enjoy this FREE Pregnancy Relaxation MP3 Audio from Positive Birth Leeds.
Designed to help you feel more relaxed, calm and confident for your birth.
I'm Charlotte, a Doula and Hypnobirthing Antenatal Teacher. I can support you to get informed and feel confident, relaxed and empowered for your baby's birth.
I offer Doula Support as well as Full, Essential and Refresher Hypnobirthing courses as well as Hypnobirthing for a Planned Caesarean Section and Birth Prep Power Hour sessions.
Visit the Positive Birth Leeds website for the latest group course dates.
Or get in touch to ask about private one-to-one course availability.
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