Preparing for Birth with Physiotherapy
How positions, pelvic floor relaxation and perineal massage help labour
How can physio help me prepare for birth?
Birth is a huge physical event. Preparing both strength and relaxation in the weeks leading up to labour can help:
Support baby’s position in the pelvis
Reduce stress on pelvic floor muscles
Improve comfort during birth
Reduce risk of perineal tearing
Support a smoother postpartum recovery
The goal is not just a strong pelvic floor, but one that knows how to relax, stretch and coordinate when needed.
What birth positions are helpful?
Practising positions in advance gives you confidence to use them during labour. Helpful options include:
Upright positions that use gravity
All-fours for back pain relief and pelvic opening
Side-lying for rest and perineal protection
Supported squatting, lunges or rocking
No single “right” position exists. Your physio helps you explore options that work for your body.
Why is pelvic floor relaxation important?
Many women unknowingly have tight or poorly relaxing pelvic floor which can make relaxing during delivery more of a challenge. Learning to soften these muscles helps:
Create confidence that you can work with your body and the sensations of labour
Reduce perineal strain and tearing
Promote a safer and easier second stage of labour
We teach breathing strategies and awareness so you can feel in control of your pelvic floor.
What is perineal massage?
Perineal massage is gentle stretching of the tissues between the vagina and anus. When started from around 34 weeks:
It helps ready the perineum for stretch during birth
It may reduce the chance of severe tearing
It builds awareness and comfort with pelvic stretching to reduce apprehension with these sensations of labour
Your physio can teach you how to do this with confidence.
What happens during a birth-prep session?
A typical session may be spaced over 1-2 visits as we cover a lot of information! Topics covered typically include:
Assessment of posture, hip mobility and pelvic floor tone
Practicing labour positions and partner involvement
Pelvic floor relaxation and breathing coaching
Perineal massage teaching
Simple exercises to encourage pelvic mobility
Demonstration of Labour TENS
Early education and awareness of post birth recovery guidelines
Many women benefit from one or two focused sessions in the third trimester.
When should I start?
We recommend booking in for your birth prep planning around 28 to 32 weeks, with perineal massage commencing from 34 weeks where appropriate.
Our approach
We combine clinical expertise with practical, personalised guidance to help you feel prepared for birth in a positive and informed way.
You deserve to feel supported and ready. We would love to help you approach birth with confidence.
About the author
Eve Gutteridge is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Melbourne Pregnancy and Pelvic Physio practicing from Willianstown and Essendon North.
She has a special interest in birth education and pre/postnatal care.
Book an appointment with Eve