Guest Blogger: Alana Devlin BMR PT DPT Lifemark Health National Pelvic Health Lead Prairie Region
Becoming a surrogate is a beautiful and selfless journey. You’re not just carrying a baby; you’re giving a gift of life to someone who can’t do it alone. While this experience is incredible, it can be especially challenging for your body. One important but often overlooked part of this journey is taking care of your pelvic floor. Many people aren't aware that the pelvic floor exists, what pelvic physiotherapy is, or how much it can help during pregnancy and postpartum.
Let’s talk about what the pelvic floor is, why it’s so important, and how seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist can make a big difference for surrogates.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles support important organs like your bladder, uterus, and bowels. They also help with bladder control, sexual health, and even posture. During pregnancy, your pelvic floor works hard to support the baby’s weight and adapt to changes in posture. It also stretches during childbirth.
When these muscles are too tight, too weak, or not working well, it can cause problems like:
Peeing a little when you laugh or sneeze (incontinence)
Pain in your lower back or hips
A feeling of pelvic heaviness or pressure
Why Don’t People Know About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Even though pelvic floor issues are common, many people don’t know that physiotherapy can help. Some think these problems are “just part of pregnancy” or “just something you deal with after having a baby.” Others may feel embarrassed to talk about it.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized type of care that can make a huge difference. A trained physiotherapist can check how your muscles are functioning and give you exercises or treatments to help.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps During Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts extra pressure on your pelvic floor, which can change how it functions. A physiotherapist can:
Teach You Exercises: Gentle exercises can strengthen your muscles to reduce problems like incontinence.
Help with Pain: If you have back, hip, or pelvic pain, they can recommend stretches or other techniques to make you more comfortable.
Prepare You for Birth: Learning how to relax your pelvic floor can make labor and delivery easier. A strong pelvic floor with full relaxation ability can reduce the risk of tearing and speed recovery after delivery.
Benefits After Delivery
Childbirth is tough on the pelvic floor, whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist after birth can help you:
Heal Faster: Exercises can improve blood flow and speed up healing.
Regain Strength: Your physiotherapist can guide you in safely rebuilding your core and pelvic floor muscles.
Prevent Long-Term Problems: Early care can prevent issues like prolapse (when organs shift downward), pain or ongoing leaks.
When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
It’s never too late to take care of your pelvic floor. I usually recommend seeing a physiotherapist during pregnancy after the first trimester to identify any issues that might cause discomfort or affect delivery. I also suggest seeing a physiotherapist about six weeks after giving birth, once initial healing has occurred.
Why It’s Worth It for Surrogates
As a surrogate, you’re dedicating your body to help someone else create their family. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of this gift. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can:
Help you stay strong and comfortable during pregnancy
Make delivery easier
Ensure a smooth recovery so you can return to your normal life feeling healthy and confident
Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for “other people.” It’s for everyone—and that includes you. Whether this is your first surrogacy journey or your third, taking care of your pelvic floor can help make the experience easier and healthier. If you’ve never heard of pelvic floor physiotherapy before, now is a great time to learn. It is not just about Kegel exercises! Reach out to a qualified physiotherapist in your area and give your body the care it deserves.
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