Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy in San Diego
Prepare your body for birth — and set yourself up for a stronger recovery.
Pregnancy changes everything about how your body works. Your core, your pelvic floor, your hips, your breathing — they're all adapting to carry and eventually deliver your baby. That's a lot to ask of your body, and most women get zero guidance on how to prepare for it.
Prenatal pelvic floor therapy isn't just about preventing problems after birth — though it absolutely does that. It's about giving your body the tools it needs to handle labor, delivery, and recovery with more confidence and less pain.
I'm Dr. Ashlee Gendron, and I help pregnant women across North County San Diego prepare their bodies for birth. Whether you're in your second trimester and planning ahead or your third trimester and feeling the pressure — you're in the right place.
Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy
Birth preparation is about more than exercises — it's about understanding your body and giving it the best chance to do what it needs to do.
Pelvic Floor Assessment & Training
Most women have never had their pelvic floor evaluated — and pregnancy is the best time to start. I assess whether your pelvic floor muscles are strong enough, flexible enough, and coordinated enough for delivery. Then we train specifically for what birth requires: your pelvic floor needs to know how to relax and lengthen, not just squeeze. That's why "just do kegels" isn't good enough advice for pregnancy.
Birth Preparation Exercises
I give you specific exercises focused on pelvic mobility, diaphragmatic breathing, and pelvic floor lengthening — the three things that make the biggest difference during labor. These aren't generic pregnancy workouts. They target the exact movement patterns and muscles you'll use during delivery.
Breathing & Pushing Strategies
How you breathe during labor directly affects your pelvic floor. I teach you breathing techniques that help the pelvic floor open during pushing — and strategies for different birthing positions so you have options during delivery, not just one plan.
Pregnancy-Related Pain Relief
Growing a baby puts new demands on your body, and pain is a common side effect. I treat:
- Lower back pain — one of the most common pregnancy complaints, often caused by shifting posture and a weakening core
- Pelvic girdle pain / SPD — sharp pain at the front of your pelvis, especially when walking, rolling over in bed, or going up stairs
- Round ligament pain — sudden, sharp pulling in your lower belly or groin
- Hip pain — tightness and aching from the extra load your hips are carrying
- Rib and mid-back pain — as baby grows and your ribcage expands
Postpartum Planning
We don't just focus on birth — we plan for what comes after. I help you understand what postpartum recovery looks like, what's normal and what isn't, and when to come back for a postpartum evaluation. Women who do prenatal pelvic floor therapy typically have smoother, faster recoveries.
When Should You Start?
Pregnancy prep starts in the second trimester — not the first. Here's what each stage looks like:
Second Trimester — When We Start
You're past the first-trimester fatigue, and there's plenty of time to do a baseline pelvic floor assessment, build strength and mobility, and develop pelvic floor awareness before the third trimester. If you have a history of pelvic floor issues or had complications in a previous pregnancy, starting early in the second trimester is especially valuable.
Third Trimester — Birth Prep Gets Specific
We focus on pelvic floor lengthening, pushing strategies, birthing positions, and getting your body ready for labor. Even if you're starting late, a few sessions can make a meaningful difference.
Why It Matters
Research consistently shows that women who work with a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy have:
- Lower rates of severe perineal tearing during vaginal delivery
- Shorter pushing phases during labor
- Better pelvic floor function postpartum
- Faster recovery after birth
- Lower rates of urinary incontinence after delivery
This isn't about making birth "perfect" — birth is unpredictable. It's about giving your body the best preparation possible so you can adapt to whatever happens.
A Practice Built for Pregnant Women
I Come to You
When you're 35 weeks pregnant, the last thing you want to do is drive across town. I bring everything to your home throughout North County.
I've Been Through It
I've been pregnant, I've given birth, and I've had my own recovery. I know what this feels like from the inside, not just from a textbook.
Minute Sessions
Enough time to actually assess everything, answer all your questions, and build a real plan. No rushing.
Birth to Postpartum
I see you through pregnancy and after delivery. Continuity of care means I already know your body and your history.
What to Expect
Your initial evaluation is 90 minutes — just you and me, one-on-one. No rushing, no rotating between patients.
Your Story
I want to know about your pregnancy so far, any symptoms or pain you're experiencing, your birth plan, and what your goals are.
Full Assessment
I evaluate your pelvic floor (internal and external, with your consent), your core function, your hips, your posture, and your breathing patterns. Everything shifts during pregnancy, and I want to see exactly where you are.
Education
I explain what's happening in your body and why. Understanding your pelvic floor and how it works during labor gives you real confidence going into delivery.
Your Program
You leave with a personalized exercise program focused on birth preparation, plus strategies for managing any pain you're dealing with.
Transparent Pricing
Concierge Home Visits
Initial Evaluation
90 minutes
$200
Follow-Up Session
60 minutes
$185
In-Clinic
Initial Evaluation
90 minutes
$150
Follow-Up Session
60 minutes
$125
No referral needed in California. I provide superbills for PPO insurance reimbursement.
Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy FAQ
Is pelvic floor therapy safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy is specifically designed for pregnant women. I modify everything for your stage of pregnancy and how you're feeling that day. We start in the second trimester and continue through the final weeks before delivery.
I've never had pelvic floor issues — should I still see a PT during pregnancy?
Yes, and this is actually the best time to start. Think of it like training for a marathon — you don't wait until race day to prepare. Even if everything feels fine now, getting your pelvic floor assessed and preparing it for birth can reduce your risk of tearing, incontinence, and pain postpartum.
What if I'm planning a C-section?
Prenatal pelvic floor therapy is still valuable. Your pelvic floor supported a growing baby for 9 months regardless of delivery method. The breathing, core, and pelvic floor work we do benefits C-section recovery too — and helps you prepare for postpartum whether your birth goes as planned or not.
How many sessions do I need before birth?
It depends on when you start and what you're working on. Some women come for 3-4 focused birth prep sessions in the third trimester. Others start earlier and come every 2-3 weeks throughout pregnancy. After your first visit, I'll recommend a plan based on your body and your goals.
I'm in my third trimester — is it too late to start?
Not at all. Even 2-3 sessions of focused birth prep — pelvic floor lengthening, breathing strategies, and pushing techniques — can make a real difference. It's never too late to prepare.
Ready to Prepare for Birth?
Pregnant and want to feel prepared — not just for birth, but for recovery too? Start with a free 15-minute phone call. Tell me where you are in your pregnancy and what you're dealing with, and I'll tell you how I can help. No pressure, no commitment.