“A Strong Pelvic Floor Makes Birth Easier” — Let’s Talk About That
By Rosie Purdue, Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Hatched House
If you’ve been told to “strengthen your pelvic floor” to prepare for birth, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common pieces of advice floating around antenatal forums, social media, and even well-meaning fitness spaces. But here’s the truth: when it comes to labour and birth, a “strong” pelvic floor isn’t always the helpful hero it’s made out to be.
Let’s break down why.
❌ Myth: A Strong Pelvic Floor Helps Push the Baby Out
The idea seems logical — strong muscles help with physical effort, so surely strong pelvic floor muscles would help in labour, right?
But childbirth is not a resistance workout. In fact, the pelvic floor needs to be flexible, coordinated, and able to let go to allow a baby to pass through the birth canal. Tight, overactive muscles can actually make labour more difficult, leading to:
Prolonged pushing stages
Increased risk of tearing
Higher chance of assisted deliveries (forceps/vacuum)
✅ What Actually Helps During Birth?
Pelvic Floor Awareness
Learning to both contract and release your pelvic floor is key. Many women are great at squeezing, but not at letting go. We teach you how to feel this difference.
Breathwork and Body Positioning
Practicing diaphragmatic breathing and upright labour positions can encourage pelvic expansion and perineal relaxation.
Perineal Massage (from 35+ weeks)
Evidence shows that gentle massage of the perineal tissues can reduce tearing in first-time births — and it’s a great way to practice pelvic floor relaxation.
Labour Prep with a Physio
We can guide you through birth positions, strategies for the pushing stage, and personalised techniques based on your pelvic floor assessment.
⚖️ Strength vs. Suppleness: You Can Have Both
It’s not about choosing between a strong or soft pelvic floor — it’s about having a pelvic floor that responds appropriately. Think of it like a trampoline: firm, supportive, but able to stretch and rebound.
🏡 At Hatched House, We Teach Both
As physiotherapists, we help you build strength and softness. If you're unsure where your pelvic floor sits — tight, weak, or just right — we’re here to assess, guide, and empower you.
Book a Birth Prep Assessment
Let’s take the guesswork out of it. We’ll give you clarity, confidence, and evidence-based strategies to support your birth goals.