Pelvic floor rehabilitation after childbirth

The pelvic floor is the set of muscles and tissues located between the pubic bone and the bottom of the pelvis, which support the bladder, the urethra and the rectum. Pregnancy and above all childbirth weaken it, and rehabilitation may be prescribed to restore its tone.

Areas concerned: Pelvis and pelvic floor

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Common signs

Small urine leaks when coughing, laughing or during effort
Discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen
Reduced sensation during sex
A tear or episiotomy scar that is painful or uncomfortable

When to see a doctor

Sudden or very heavy bleeding, sometimes with feeling faint or a racing heart
Fever with a painful abdomen that is tender to the touch
Pain, swelling or redness in a calf, chest pain or difficulty breathing
Headaches, problems with vision or vomiting
Stools that escape without you being able to hold them in: tell the midwife or the doctor

What physiotherapy does

After the birth, the doctor may prescribe pelvic floor rehabilitation, often at the postnatal check-up. It is done with a midwife or a physiotherapist. Their aim is to rebuild the pelvic floor muscles, and rehabilitation of the abdominal muscles can follow later, as a second step, with a physiotherapist. This rehabilitation also matters for going back to high-impact sports such as running, which happens once the pelvic floor has been rehabilitated and judged to be in good condition.

Techniques used at the practice

Pelvic floor rehabilitation, breathing exercises, adapted abdominal exercises, hypopressive work, principles of the de Gasquet method, activation of the deep muscles and lumbopelvic stabilisation exercises.

How the sessions go

Assessment of pelvic floor function, the abdominal wall, breathing and posture. An individualised programme aimed at restoring muscle control, improving coordination between the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and supporting functional recovery.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Learning the right movements during effort, coordinating breathing with muscle engagement, protecting the pelvic floor in daily life and gradually returning to physical activities.

Sources

Après l'accouchement : le retour à la maison (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Prévenir le prolapsus génital (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Your body after the birth (new tab)NHS (nhs.uk), accessed October 26, 2026