Prenatal Physical Therapy
Prepare Your Body for Birth & Recovery
Expert pelvic floor therapy to reduce pregnancy pain, educate you on your birth options, and set yourself up for easier delivery and faster postpartum healing.
Why Prenatal PT Matters
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy is individualized clinical care that addresses pelvic pain, prepares the body for labor, improves pushing coordination, and reduces the risk of postpartum dysfunction. It is offered before, during, and after delivery as part of comprehensive pregnancy and birth preparation.
Pregnancy brings incredible changes — and sometimes incredible discomfort. Lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, round ligament pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction — these aren't just "part of pregnancy." They're signs your body needs support.
Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy can:
- Significantly reduce or eliminate pregnancy-related pain
- Prepare your pelvic floor for birth (reducing risk of tearing and dysfunction)
- Teach you how to push effectively during labor
- Set you up for faster, easier postpartum recovery
- Address existing pelvic floor issues before they worsen with delivery
Common Pregnancy Issues
Pregnancy Conditions Treated With Pelvic Floor PT
If you're experiencing any of these, prenatal pelvic floor PT can help:
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Sharp pain in the front or back of the pelvis, especially when walking, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or getting in and out of the car. Extremely common in pregnancy and very treatable with PT. Women with generalized joint hypermobility are at higher risk—especially combined with a BMI over 25.
Learn more about SI joint pain treatment →Pubic Symphysis Pain
Intense pain in the pubic bone area, often described as feeling like your pelvis is splitting apart. Can make walking, standing on one leg, or spreading your legs extremely painful.
Learn more about SPD treatment →Lower Back Pain
Persistent aching or sharp pain in the lower back, often worse at the end of the day or after standing for long periods. Caused by postural changes and core weakness during pregnancy.
Learn more about back pain treatment →Sciatica
Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down the back of your leg, often caused by your growing uterus or postural changes putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Learn more about hip & back pain →Round Ligament Pain
Sharp, jabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin, especially with sudden movements. While common, there are manual therapy treatments and movement strategies to minimize it.
Urinary Incontinence
Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing — even during pregnancy. Addressing this now can prevent it from worsening postpartum.
Learn more about incontinence treatment →Rib Pain
Discomfort or sharp pain in the ribs as baby grows, often worse when sitting or breathing deeply. Manual therapy can provide significant relief.
Diastasis Recti
Abdominal separation that can begin during pregnancy. Research confirms that abdominal and pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy do not increase diastasis—early intervention with proper core exercises can minimize the gap and improve postpartum recovery.
Learn more about diastasis recti →Not sure where to start? Schedule a Free Consultation →
Birth Preparation
How Pelvic Floor PT Prepares You for Labor
Think of pelvic floor PT as training for the marathon of birth. You wouldn't run 26.2 miles without preparing your body — so why approach labor without preparing your pelvic floor?
What Birth Prep Includes:
- Pelvic Floor Lengthening: Learning to relax and lengthen pelvic floor muscles (not just strengthen them) for easier delivery
- Pushing Technique: Teaching you how to push effectively without straining or holding your breath
- Perineal Massage: Education on perineal tissue massage to reduce risk of tearing (you can do this at home starting around 34 weeks)
- Optimal Positioning: Finding labor and delivery positions that work best for your body and pelvic alignment
- Breathing Strategies: Using breath to support your pelvic floor during contractions and pushing
- Partner Education: Teaching your partner how to support your body during labor (positions, counter-pressure, etc.)
- Education on Birth Options: Evidence-based assessment of your anatomy and family history to help you understand your personal risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction and how to reduce them
What the Research Shows
Studies on prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy and structured antenatal preparation have shown:
- Lower risk of severe perineal tearing with properly performed antenatal perineal massage (Beckmann & Stock, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2013)
- Reduced incidence of postpartum urinary incontinence with prenatal pelvic floor muscle training (Mørkved & Bø, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014)
- Faster postpartum recovery and shorter second-stage labor duration with structured prenatal pelvic floor training (Salvesen & Mørkved, BMJ, 2004)
- Better pelvic floor muscle function after delivery
- Less pelvic pain during pregnancy and postpartum
- Improved core function and reduced diastasis recti recovery time
Sources: Beckmann MM, Stock OM. Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;4:CD005123. | Mørkved S, Bø K. Effect of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy and after childbirth on prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(4):299-310. | Salvesen KÅ, Mørkved S. Randomised controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy. BMJ. 2004;329(7462):378-80.
Already thinking ahead to your recovery? Learn which postpartum exercises to approach with caution →
Starting prenatal PT is one of the best investments you can make in your birth and postpartum experience. If you’re an active woman wondering what you can and can’t do during pregnancy, read our evidence-based guide to exercise during pregnancy →
What to Expect
What to Expect From Prenatal Pelvic Floor PT
Initial Evaluation (60 Minutes)
Health History: Discuss current symptoms, previous pregnancies, birth goals, and any concerns
Movement Assessment: Evaluate posture, breathing patterns, core function, and areas of pain or compensation
Pelvic Floor Assessment (Optional): External or internal evaluation to assess pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, and coordination. Internal evaluations are not performed during the first trimester.
Treatment & Education: Manual therapy for pain relief, exercises to address specific issues, and education on birth prep strategies
Follow-Up Treatment Sessions (60 Minutes)
Each session is tailored to where you are in your pregnancy and what your body needs. Earlier sessions might focus on pain management and core support, while later sessions emphasize birth preparation and positioning.
Frequency
Most pregnant patients see Dr. Danaya every 2-4 weeks throughout pregnancy, with more frequent visits as needed for pain management or further education and birth prep. Some patients come for just 3-4 sessions of targeted birth prep, others continue throughout pregnancy for ongoing support.
Patient Stories
Patient Stories: Pregnancy & Birth Prep
“I worked with Danaya and Taylor and they were both amazing! I came while I was pregnant to deal with hip and inner thigh pain as well as prepare for labor and was given so much relief from my pain.”
— Laurel M. — Pregnancy Hip Pain
“Dr. Danaya worked with me through pregnancy and postpartum; I knew I was physically and emotionally cared for the entire journey. I recommend her to anyone looking to focus on their pelvic wellness!”
— Dailie T. — Pregnancy & Postpartum
*Reviews reflect Dr. Danaya’s work at her previous Utah Valley practice
Common Questions
Pelvic Floor Therapy in Pregnancy: FAQ
Is pelvic floor PT safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Pelvic floor physical therapy is completely safe during pregnancy and is actually recommended by many OB/GYNs and midwives. All treatment is modified appropriately for pregnancy and your specific trimester.
Will you do an internal assessment while I'm pregnant?
No internal assessments are performed in the first trimester unless you are cleared by your birth provider, and of course only if you’re comfortable with it. If internal work would be beneficial (for example, teaching pelvic floor lengthening for birth prep), Dr. Danaya will explain why and get your full consent first.
Do I need my OB's permission?
No. You don't need a referral or permission to see a physical therapist in Utah. However, many patients like to let their provider know they're starting PT, and most OBs are very supportive!
I'm on bed rest. Can I still do PT?
Possibly! It depends on your specific restrictions and why you're on bed rest. Dr. Danaya can work with your OB to determine what's safe and appropriate for your situation. Even with bed rest, there are often gentle exercises and techniques that can help.
I'm planning a C-section. Do I still need birth prep?
Yes! Even with a planned C-section, pregnancy itself affects your pelvic floor. Plus, prenatal PT can help with pregnancy pain management, prepare your body for surgery recovery, and address any existing pelvic floor issues before they're compounded by delivery.
Will this really make my labor easier?
While Dr. Danaya can't make promises about labor (every birth is different!), research shows that women who do prenatal pelvic floor PT tend to have less severe tearing, better pelvic floor function postpartum, and faster recovery. Many patients report feeling more confident and prepared for birth after working with her.
How is this different from prenatal yoga or classes?
Prenatal yoga and childbirth classes are wonderful and complement PT beautifully! But pelvic floor PT is individualized medical treatment, not a group class. Dr. Danaya assesses YOUR specific body, addresses YOUR specific symptoms, and creates a treatment plan tailored to YOUR needs. It's the difference between general wellness and targeted rehabilitation.
How much does pelvic floor physical therapy cost during pregnancy?
Initial evaluations are $290 and follow-up treatment sessions are $250. Radiant is a cash-based practice, so you pay directly without insurance billing. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, and superbills are provided for out-of-network reimbursement. See the pricing page for full details →
Do you offer in-home pelvic floor physical therapy?
Yes. Radiant provides in-home pelvic floor physical therapy throughout Utah County. Dr. Danaya travels to patients in their own homes for comfort, convenience, and privacy. This is especially valuable during the third trimester and the early postpartum period when leaving the house can be exhausting.
What cities do you serve?
Radiant serves Utah County and the surrounding Utah Valley area, including Spanish Fork, Payson, Salem, Springville, Mapleton, Santaquin, Lehi, and surrounding cities. All visits are in-home, so Dr. Danaya brings care directly to your space.
Can pelvic floor PT help prevent tearing during birth?
Research shows that properly performed perineal massage may help reduce tearing risk for first-time mothers. Pelvic floor coordination training, hip mobility work, and tissue preparation can also support a smoother delivery. No intervention guarantees a tear-free birth, but preparation meaningfully improves outcomes for many women.
Is pelvic floor PT covered by insurance?
Radiant is a cash-based practice and does not bill insurance directly. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, and superbills are provided so patients can seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance company. Many patients with high-deductible plans find that direct payment costs about the same as in-network care after applying HSA funds.
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Ready to Prepare Your Body?
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Let's discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and create a plan to help you feel better during pregnancy and prepare for birth — no pressure, just support.
Or call/text: (385) 204-4135
In-home pelvic floor physical therapy throughout Utah Valley