After childbirth, feeling heaviness in the belly is a normal sensation due to changes in the uterus as well as changes with the abdomen and pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs and help with bladder, bowel and sexual function. During pregnancy and delivery, these tissues can become weak and/or tight. It is also relatively common for pelvic organs to shift positions during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Additionally, when women are pregnant it is normal for the abdominal muscles in the stomach to separate to allow for the uterus to expand and accommodate the growing baby. All of this can contribute to a sensation of pressure along with the low back and tailbone pain you describe.
Other common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Urinary or bowel leakage (especially with sneezing, coughing, laughing or lifting)
- Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
- Pain during intercourse
- A heaviness or bulge in the pelvic region (prolapse)
- An abdominal bulge (diastasis recti)
Although these symptoms are common in the first few weeks after childbirth, if they persist, they are not considered normal and are highly treatable with pelvic floor physical therapy.
When should you start pelvic floor physical therapy after having a baby?
It’s common for new mothers to start pelvic floor physical therapy around six weeks after childbirth to address pelvic floor and abdominal health, low back pain, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
An evaluation with a skilled physical therapist can help to diagnose the factors contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction, providing patients with interventions specifically tailored to their needs.
A pelvic health physical therapist will evaluate the root causes of your symptoms — such as joint restrictions, muscle weakness, or changes in core stability — and create a customized treatment plan. Therapy may include:
- Addressing joint restrictions
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening or relaxation
- Breathing techniques to coordinate the pelvic floor with your core
- Back, hip and deep core stability exercises
- Guidance for safely returning to your favorite activities
Your pelvic floor PT may also recommend activity modifications, posture strategies, or supportive braces or taping techniques to reduce strain on the low back and core.
Most new moms notice improvement within a few weeks of beginning pelvic health PT, and substantial progress is often seen after about three months of regular therapy.
Early intervention can prevent symptoms from lingering and help you return comfortably to daily life and exercise. Whether you’re weeks or years postpartum, if you’re still experiencing pressure, back pain or tailbone discomfort, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you safely return to the activities you love.
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Pelvic health PT for better health and wellness.
Pelvic health physical therapy addresses the unique musculoskeletal problems of the pelvic floor that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Our goal is to improve your function, decrease your pain, guide you on your journey and get you back to the things you love.
