Top 5 Pelvic Health Tips for Elmhurst Moms
Motherhood is demanding — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Between pregnancy, delivery, postpartum recovery, and the daily realities of caring for kids, many moms experience pelvic health changes that are common, but not normal or something you have to live with.
If you’re a mom in Elmhurst dealing with leaking, pelvic pain, pressure, or core weakness, these five pelvic health tips can make a meaningful difference in how your body feels and functions.
1. Stop Ignoring Leaks — They Are Not “Just Part of Being a Mom”
If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, run, or jump, you are not alone — but it’s also not something you have to accept.
Leaking is a sign that your pelvic floor muscles are not working optimally. This can happen after vaginal delivery, C-section, or even years later due to hormonal changes and lifestyle demands.
What to do:
Avoid relying on pads as a long-term solution
Seek a pelvic floor physical therapist who can assess strength, coordination, and relaxation (not just “do Kegels”)
Early treatment leads to faster, better outcomes
2. Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer
One of the biggest misconceptions in pelvic health is that everyone needs Kegels. In reality, many moms have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight, overworked, or poorly coordinated.
Doing Kegels when they aren’t appropriate can actually:
Worsen pelvic pain
Increase pressure symptoms
Make leaking or discomfort worse
What to do instead:
Focus on breathing and relaxation first
Learn how your pelvic floor works with your core and diaphragm
Get individualized guidance rather than generic exercises
3. Support Your Pelvic Floor During Daily Mom Life
Your pelvic floor is impacted by what you do all day long, not just during workouts.
Things like lifting kids, pushing strollers, carrying laundry, and even standing at the sink can strain your pelvic floor if you’re not using good mechanics.
Helpful habits to adopt:
Exhale during effort (lifting, standing up, pushing a stroller uphill)
Avoid holding your breath during movement
Don’t “suck in” your stomach — this increases downward pressure
Small changes add up, especially in busy mom life.
4. Postpartum Symptoms Can Show Up Months — or Years — Later
Many Elmhurst moms assume that if they didn’t address symptoms right after childbirth, it’s “too late.” That’s simply not true.
Pelvic floor symptoms often appear:
When returning to exercise
During perimenopause
After years of repetitive lifting and stress
With increased running or high-impact workouts
Good news: Pelvic floor physical therapy is effective at any stage. Whether your youngest is 6 months or 16 years old, help is still available.
5. Prioritize Pelvic Health as Part of Your Overall Wellness
Pelvic health affects more than bladder control. It influences:
Core strength and posture
Back and hip pain
Sexual comfort
Confidence in movement and exercise
Taking care of your pelvic floor isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.
Consider pelvic health care if you experience:
Leaking or urgency
Pelvic pain or pressure
Pain with intercourse
Core weakness or abdominal separation
Fear of returning to exercise
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Elmhurst, IL
Pelvic floor issues can feel personal and overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Working one-on-one with a pelvic floor physical therapist allows for individualized care in a supportive, private environment — including in-home sessions for Elmhurst and surrounding communities.
If you’re ready to feel stronger, more confident, and more comfortable in your body, pelvic floor physical therapy can help.