08/11/2026
Thought I would share my latest blog!
Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy and childbirth is an incredible journey, but places significant demands on a woman's
body. A perinatal chiropractor assesses the health of the pelvic floor as it is closely connected to the mobility, alignment, and function of the spine, pelvis, hips, surrounding muscles and importantly, nervous system.
At Be Chiropractic Wellness in Vancouver’s Yaletown, we believe the best outcomes come from an integrated approach to women’s health. Chiropractic care, exercise & ergonomics as well as nutritional support each play an important role in supporting women throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive hammock at the base of the pelvis.
These muscles help to:
Support the bladder, uterus, and bowel
Maintain bladder and bowel control
Contribute to core stability
Support sexual function
Assist during pregnancy and childbirth
Rather than working in isolation, the pelvic floor functions as part of your entire core system alongside your diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, multifidus (deep spinal muscles), hips, and lower back.
How Pregnancy Affects the Pelvic Floor
Throughout pregnancy, your body undergoes remarkable adaptations. Hormones such as relaxin and progesterone increase ligament laxity to prepare for birth, while your growing baby shifts your centre of gravity forward. As your abdomen expands, your breathing pattern changes, abdominal muscles stretch, and the pelvic floor experiences increasing pressure.
These normal changes can contribute to:
Pelvic girdle pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint discomfort
P***c symphysis strain
Low back pain
Hip pain
Urinary leakage
A feeling of pelvic heaviness or pressure
Not every woman will experience these symptoms, but maintaining healthy movement throughout pregnancy can help your body adapt more comfortably. If pain or mobility concerns begin to interfere with walking, sleeping, working or exercising, a prenatal chiropractor can assess which areas may need additional support.
Why Pelvic Mobility Matters During Pregnancy
Your pelvis is designed to move. During pregnancy, the sacroiliac joints, p***c symphysis, hips, and lumbar spine must all work together to accommodate your changing body. If one area becomes restricted or isn't moving optimally, other tissues—including the pelvic floor—may have to compensate.
Improved movement may help reduce mechanical stress on surrounding tissues, allowing your body to move more comfortably. Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, pelvis, joints, muscles, and nervous system. Treatment may be used to address joint restrictions, mobility limitations, and musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
The Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor: A Team Effort
One of the most overlooked aspects of pelvic floor health is breathing. The diaphragm (your primary breathing muscle) and the pelvic floor move together with every breath.
As you inhale:
The diaphragm lowers.
The pelvic floor gently lengthens.
As you exhale:
The diaphragm rises.
The pelvic floor naturally recoils.
During pregnancy, changes in rib position and posture can alter this natural rhythm. That's why breathing exercises are often an important part of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Chiropractic care may also help address mobility restrictions in the rib cage and thoracic spine that can affect comfortable movement and breathing mechanics.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care for:
Low back pain
Pelvic girdle pain
SI joint discomfort
Neck pain
Mid-back tension
Rib pain
Pregnancy-related postural strain
Treatment typically includes:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments
Mobility exercises
Postural education
Ergonomic advice
Home exercise recommendations
For women with pelvic discomfort, improving movement of the spine and pelvis may make everyday activities such as walking, sleeping, or turning in bed feel more comfortable.
Certified chiropractors like myself may also use the Webster Technique, a specific assessment
and adjustment approach designed to address pelvic biomechanics during pregnancy. The goal
is to optimize pelvic function and reduce mechanical tension to encourage your infant to be in
the head down occiput anterior position prior to the onset of labour.
How Chiropractic Care Can Complement Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Chiropractors have specialized training to assess subluxations and areas of tension or restricted movement in the spine and pelvis that may affect nerve function associated with the pelvic floor. During pregnancy and postpartum, addressing these areas can help support pelvic mobility, comfortable movement, and overall musculoskeletal function.
Chiropractic care may help women experiencing:
Urinary incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic pain
Pain during in*******se
Cesarean or perineal scar concerns
Diastasis recti
Difficulty relaxing or activating pelvic floor muscles
One common misconception is that everyone needs to strengthen their pelvic floor. In reality, some women have pelvic floor muscles that are already overactive or tense. In these cases, learning how to relax the muscles is often more important than doing more Kegel exercises. An individualized assessment is key.
Postpartum Recovery: More Than Just “Bouncing Back”
Whether you have a vaginal birth or cesarean delivery, your body needs time to heal.
T
he postpartum period often brings:
Lifting and carrying a growing baby
Feeding in sustained positions
Sleep deprivation
Hormonal changes
Changes in core strength
New movement patterns
Many new mothers notice:
Back pain
Wrist pain
Neck and shoulder tension
Hip discomfort
Core weakness
Pelvic floor symptoms
A comprehensive recovery plan may include:
Gradual return to exercise
Core rehabilitation
Strength training
Mobility work
Good lifting mechanics
Adequate nutrition and hydration
Sleep strategies where possible
Postpartum chiropractic care can help address musculoskeletal aches and pains while supporting your body’s return to comfortable movement and recovery.
Collaborative Pregnancy and Postpartum Care in Vancouver
At Be Chiropractic Wellness, we work collaboratively with pelvic floor physiotherapists, massage therapists, midwives, family physicians, obstetricians, and other healthcare providers. Every woman deserves individualized care that considers her goals, symptoms, activity level, and stage of recovery.
Together, we can complement one another by addressing different—but interconnected—aspects of pregnancy and postpartum health. At our Yaletown clinic, this collaborative approach helps us provide care that reflects each woman’s individual needs.
When Should You Seek Help?
Consider chiropractic support if you experience:
Persistent pelvic pain
Urinary leakage
Pelvic heaviness or pressure
Pain with in*******se
Ongoing low back or SI joint pain
Difficulty returning to exercise
Persistent abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
Concerns about your postpartum recovery
The earlier these concerns are addressed, the more options are available to help you recover comfortably and confidently.
Supporting Your Body Through Every Stage
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery aren't about achieving perfection—they're about helping your body adapt to incredible change. Supporting spinal mobility, pelvic function, breathing mechanics, core strength, and pelvic floor health through an integrated team approach can help you move more comfortably, recover more effectively, and feel stronger as you care for your growing family.
If you're pregnant, preparing for birth, or navigating postpartum recovery, we're here to help guide you with evidence-informed, individualized chiropractic care every step of the way.
Contact Be Chiropractic Wellness to discuss pregnancy-related back pain, pelvic discomfort, mobility concerns, or postpartum musculoskeletal recovery.
About Dr. Stephanie Bonn
Dr. Stephanie Bonn is a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 25 years of clinical experience and a Master's in Chiropractic Pediatrics. She has advanced training in pregnancy, postpartum, pediatric, and women's health care, including certification in the Webster Technique.
At Be Chiropractic Wellness in Vancouver’s Yaletown, she works closely with pelvic floor physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to provide collaborative, patient-centred care for women through every stage of life.
