Prenatal & Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Edmonton

Supportive, evidence-informed pelvic floor care through pregnancy, birth and the months that follow, at our Millwoods clinic.

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Prenatal and Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Edmonton

Prenatal and postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy cares for the muscles that support your bladder, bowel, uterus and spine during pregnancy and after birth. At Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Edmonton, our pelvic floor physiotherapist assesses these muscles, core, hips and back, then builds a plan that may help with leaking, pelvic pain, diastasis recti and return to activity.

You can book at any stage of pregnancy and at any point after delivery, whether that is six weeks or six years. No referral is needed, and visits are direct-billed to many extended health plans. Care is available at our Millwoods clinic.

(587) 855-4559

Why the pelvic floor matters during pregnancy

As your baby grows, the pelvic floor carries more weight, your posture shifts and hormones soften the ligaments around the pelvis. Many people notice low back or pelvic girdle pain, sciatica-like symptoms, leaking with coughing or sneezing, or a feeling of heaviness. These changes are common, but they are not something you simply have to put up with.

Prenatal physiotherapy commonly includes hands-on assessment of the pelvic floor and core, gentle manual therapy for the back and pelvis, guidance on how to lift, sleep and move more comfortably, and preparation for labour such as breathing, positions and perineal awareness.

Recovery after birth

Whether you delivered vaginally or by caesarean, your body has been through a significant event. Postpartum physiotherapy looks at how the pelvic floor, abdominal wall and scar tissue are healing and how they are working together. Common reasons people book include urinary or bowel leaking, pelvic pressure or heaviness, pain with intimacy, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), tailbone or pubic pain, and wanting a safe path back to running, lifting or sport.

Mercy, our pelvic floor physiotherapist, provides prenatal and postpartum care at Next Step. Assessments are done in a private room, at your pace, with your consent at every step. Internal assessment is one option but is never required.

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What happens at your first pelvic floor visit?

Your initial appointment is longer than a follow-up so there is time to talk, assess and plan.

Conversation first:

We ask about your pregnancy or birth, current symptoms, bladder and bowel habits, activity goals and anything you are worried about.

Whole-body screen:

We look at posture, breathing, how you move, and the strength and mobility of your hips, back and abdominal wall.

Pelvic floor assessment:

With your consent, the physiotherapist assesses pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, coordination and any tenderness, externally or internally.

Scar and diastasis check:

Caesarean or perineal scars and any abdominal separation are assessed for mobility, sensitivity and how the tissue responds to load.

Your plan:

We explain what we found in plain language and agree on goals and a treatment plan that fits your life and your baby's schedule.

Home programme:

You leave with a small number of exercises or strategies to start right away, with follow-ups to progress them.

Babies are welcome at appointments. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on treatment and progression.

What pelvic floor physiotherapy may help with

People commonly book prenatal and postpartum care for:

Leaking urine:

With coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or on the way to the toilet.

Pelvic girdle and low back pain:

Pain around the pubic bone, sacroiliac joints or tailbone.

Pelvic pressure or heaviness:

A dragging sensation that may relate to prolapse.

Diastasis recti:

Separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy.

Pain with intimacy:

Discomfort linked to scar tissue or tight pelvic floor muscles.

Preparing for labour:

Breathing, positioning and perineal preparation.

Caesarean recovery:

Scar mobility, core reconnection and gradual return to lifting.

Return to exercise:

A graded plan for walking, running, strength training or sport.

Every plan is individual. Some people need only a couple of visits; others benefit from ongoing support over several months.

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When to check with your doctor or midwife first

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally safe throughout pregnancy and after birth. Please contact your doctor or midwife before booking if you have vaginal bleeding, signs of infection, sudden severe pelvic pain, symptoms of a blood clot such as calf pain and swelling, or if you have been told to restrict activity. After a caesarean, we usually begin scar and abdominal work once your incision has healed and your care provider is comfortable with it.

If you are unsure whether it is the right time, call us. We are happy to talk through your situation before you book.

Book prenatal or postpartum physiotherapy in Edmonton

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is available at Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Millwoods (Suite 106A, 7319-29 Avenue NW). No referral is needed. Book online, call the clinic, or ask reception to add this to an existing treatment plan. Bring your extended health details so we can direct-bill many major insurers.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Before your visit

When should I start prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Any time is reasonable. Many people book in the second trimester, but earlier or later is fine. Come sooner if you have pain or leaking.

How soon after birth can I book?

Many people come in around six weeks postpartum, after their check-up, but you can call earlier if you have concerns. It is never too late to start.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. You can book directly. Some extended health plans require a doctor's note for reimbursement, so check your policy.

Is an internal exam required?

No. Internal assessment gives useful information, but it is always your choice and you can decline or stop at any time.

Can I bring my baby?

Yes. Babies are welcome, and we can work around feeding and naps.

During and after care

How many visits will I need?

It varies. A first visit plus two to four follow-ups is common, with more if you are working toward a specific goal such as running.

Is it covered by insurance?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is billed as physiotherapy and is covered by many extended health plans. We direct-bill many major insurers; ask reception about yours.

Will I just be given Kegels?

Not necessarily. Some pelvic floors need strengthening, others need to learn to relax. Your plan depends on what the assessment shows.

Can physiotherapy help with diastasis recti?

Many people find guided breathing, core retraining and gradual loading help improve how the abdominal wall functions and feels.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing you can move in. A private room and draping are provided for any pelvic assessment.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.