How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Post‑Birth Leakage (and Other Common Postpartum Symptoms)

May 28

Bringing a baby into the world is a powerful, life‑changing experience. But for many women, the postpartum period also comes with unexpected changes—especially when it comes to bladder control, pelvic discomfort, and core strength. If you’re experiencing leakage after giving birth or other symptoms that don’t feel quite right, you are not alone—and you are not broken.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a gentle, evidence‑based approach that can help women heal, regain confidence, and feel at home in their bodies again after childbirth.

What Is Post‑Birth Leakage?

Post‑birth leakage, also known as postpartum urinary incontinence, is the involuntary loss of urine that may happen when you:

Laugh, cough, or sneeze
Exercise or lift your baby
Run, jump, or return to workouts
Feel a sudden urge to urinate and can’t make it to the bathroom in time

This can happen after vaginal birth or C‑section and may appear immediately postpartum—or months (even years) later.

While common, leakage is not something you have to “just live with.”

Why Does Leakage Happen After Childbirth?

During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic floor muscles—which support the bladder, uterus, and bowels—are placed under significant stress. Factors that can contribute to postpartum symptoms include:

Pregnancy‑related stretching of the pelvic floor
Vaginal delivery or assisted birth (forceps/vacuum)
Perineal tearing or episiotomy
Hormonal changes
Pressure on nerves during labor
C‑section scar restrictions

The result can be pelvic floor muscles that are weak, over‑tight, uncoordinated, or slow to respond—all of which can lead to leakage and other symptoms.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, coordination, and function to the muscles and connective tissues affected by pregnancy and birth.

1. Personalized Pelvic Floor Assessment

Every woman’s postpartum experience is different. A pelvic floor physical therapist evaluates:

Pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination
Core and breathing patterns
Scar tissue (from C‑section or perineal tears)
Hip, back, and pelvic alignment
Posture and movement habits

This individualized approach ensures your care is tailored specifically to your body and symptoms.

2. Treating the Root Cause of Leakage

Leakage isn’t always caused by weakness alone. Many women are surprised to learn that overly tight pelvic floor muscles can also contribute to incontinence.

Pelvic floor physical therapy may include:

Muscle retraining (not just Kegels)
Learning how to properly relax and contract the pelvic floor
Breath coordination for pressure management
Neuromuscular re‑education

The goal is to help your pelvic floor respond automatically during daily activities—so you don’t have to think about it.

3. Support for Other Common Postpartum Symptoms

In addition to bladder leakage, pelvic floor physical therapy can help address:

Pelvic pain or pressure
Pain with intercourse
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Low back or hip pain
Difficulty returning to exercise
Bowel urgency or constipation
Heaviness or prolapse symptoms

Treating the pelvic floor as part of the whole body is key to long‑term recovery.

4. Scar Tissue & C‑Section Recovery

C‑section recovery deserves just as much attention as vaginal birth recovery. Scar tissue restrictions can affect core strength, pelvic floor function, and bladder control.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with:

Gentle scar mobilization
Improving circulation and tissue mobility
Reducing pain or numbness
Restoring connection to the core and pelvic floor

5. Confidence, Education & Empowerment

One of the most important benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy

melissa scholl