Pelvic Floor Myths Every Parent Deserves to Know About
Why myths still matter
The internet, friends, and even well-meaning clinicians can flood new parents with advice about the pelvic floor and recovery. While some advice may be helpful, some can be misleading or incomplete. But misunderstanding what is normal can keep people silent, delaying help that changes lives.
Let’s set the record straight with evidence, empathy, and real recovery in mind.
Myth 1: "C-section means no pelvic-floor issues."
While a caesarean birth bypasses vaginal delivery, pregnancy itself stretches and softens the pelvic floor and muscle system. The symphony of hormonal preparation loosens connective tissue and the baby’s weight increases load for months.
Research shows that women who deliver via C-section can still experience pelvic floor weakness, bladder urgency, or pain, especially if core strength or breathing patterns are not retrained (Beamish et al., 2024).
Every body benefits from pelvic floor and deep-core assessment after birth regardless of delivery type.
Myth 2: "Leaking a little is normal."
Urinary leakage after birth is common but never normal. It signals that the pelvic floor muscles need recovery and retraining.
In most cases, targeted pelvic floor muscle training under physiotherapy guidance restores continence within months (Zhang et al., 2025; Wang et al., 2024). Ignoring leakage can increase symptoms later in life.
Early intervention works best and does not require invasive treatments.
Myth 3: "Pelvic floor muscle exercises are one-size-fits-all."
Telling every new parent to "just do your Kegels" oversimplifies recovery. Some need strengthening; others need relaxation if muscles are overactive; some need a slower progression to allow for healing.
You deserve an individualised plan where a pelvic health physiotherapist can clarify what your body actually needs. Evidence supports supervised training and individualised programs for the best outcomes (Wang et al., 2024).
The right exercise is specific, gentle, and guided. Not generic.
Myth 4: "Pain after birth is something you just live with."
Persistent perineal, abdominal, or pelvic pain is not inevitable. It can reflect scar sensitivity, muscle overactivity, or nerve irritation; all of which are treatable with the right hands-on and movement-based care.
Pelvic health physiotherapy reduces pain, improves sexual function, and rebuilds confidence in returning to movement (Beamish et al., 2024).
Whole Recovery Summary
- Every birth impacts the pelvic floor. Assessment is for everyone.
- Leaks are messages, not milestones. Early physio works.
- Exercises must be tailored. One program rarely fits all.
- Pain deserves attention. Relief is possible and expected.
Knowledge replaces fear, and empowered recovery starts with clarity.
Ready to take the next step?
- Restore: Book your pelvic-health check-up: www.pelviology.com.au
- Nourish: Support healing with Whole Bowl Co.’s postpartum meal range: Order now
References
Beamish, N. F., Davenport, M. H., Ali, M. U., & McIntyre, E. A. (2024). Impact of postpartum exercise on pelvic-floor disorders and diastasis recti abdominis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 59(8), 562–569. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108746
Wang, X., Qiu, J., Li, D., et al. (2024). Pressure-mediated biofeedback with pelvic-floor muscle training for urinary incontinence: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(11), e2458612. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.58612
Zhang, Y., Chen, L., & Teng, Y. (2025). Effectiveness of pelvic-floor muscle strength training to prevent and treat urinary incontinence in postpartum women: A systematic review. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 47(4), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2025.02.012