By: Marin Cole, a pelvic floor therapist, Kansas City (Overland Park, KS and Lees Summit, MO)

While we don’t often see many pregnant moms during their first trimester, it’s important to understand that some of the issues they experience later on can actually start in these early months. Let’s talk about a few key things that might begin in the first trimester and how they can affect you down the road.

Urine Leakage

One of the most common issues we see in pregnant women—and especially postpartum—is urine leakage. There are several reasons why you might start to lose control of your bladder during pregnancy, such as increased pressure on the bladder from a growing uterus, changes in posture, frequent vomiting, and heightened urinary urgency.

Early in pregnancy, increased blood flow to the pelvis can cause urinary urgency, which is both common and normal. However, it’s essential to be mindful of how you respond to this urge. If you start going to the bathroom “just in case,” you may unknowingly retrain your bladder to empty more frequently, leading to a habit of frequent urination even years later. While more frequent urination during pregnancy is normal, don’t let it control your life. If you’re concerned, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can be incredibly helpful.

The other causes of incontinence I mentioned are often related to pressure control, a significant issue during pregnancy. The way you stand and move can increase pressure on the muscles responsible for controlling urine flow. If you’re feeling constant pressure on your bladder, it’s even more important to maintain good mobility and control of your pelvic floor muscles. And if you’ve been battling morning sickness, running back and forth to the bathroom, your pelvic floor might have taken a toll. Addressing these issues early in pregnancy can make a big difference later on.

Round Ligament Pain

Have you started feeling that “round ligament pain” earlier than expected? This pulling sensation in the front of your abdomen can start early because your uterus begins growing right from the start. Learning how to move your body, whether it’s getting out of bed or off the couch, can help support your growing belly and reduce discomfort. Two critical concepts to focus on early in pregnancy are breath work and engaging your core. A pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you through these exercises and help you modify them as your pregnancy progresses.

The Takeaway

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also brings physical changes from the very start. As physical therapists, we want to equip you with the tools you’ll need over the next nine months to stay pain-free, active, confident, and safe as your little one grows!

Get Professional Help

If you're experiencing the above symptoms and looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

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