Prenatal Pelvic Floor Class in Ottawa

Pregnancy places significant demands on your body, especially on the pelvic floor. Many people experience symptoms such as pelvic pressure, back discomfort, or urinary leakage during pregnancy, yet few are taught how to properly support and strengthen these muscles.

Our Prenatal Pelvic Floor Group Physiotherapy Class in Ottawa (called Pelvic Floor & More) is designed for individuals at any stage of pregnancy who want to improve pelvic health, prepare for labour and delivery, and support their early postpartum recovery.

Led by pelvic health physiotherapist Slesha Shah, this four-week evidence-based program combines pelvic floor physiotherapy principles with targeted exercise, education, and community support.

The goal is simple: help you feel stronger, more comfortable, and more confident as your body prepares for childbirth.

Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters During Pregnancy

The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy these muscles experience increased pressure as your baby grows.

A well-functioning pelvic floor can help:

• Support the growing uterus
• Reduce urinary incontinence during pregnancy
• Decrease pelvic pressure and discomfort
• Improve pushing coordination during labour
• Support recovery after childbirth

Just as important as strengthening the pelvic floor is learning how to relax and coordinate these muscles, which plays a key role in labour and delivery.

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What You Will Learn in Our Prenatal Pelvic Floor Class

Each weekly session blends guided movement with practical education from a pelvic health physiotherapist.

Key elements of the program include:

Targeted Pelvic Floor Exercises

Participants learn how to properly engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles. This includes coordination of breath and muscle activation, which supports both everyday movement and pushing during childbirth.

Prenatal Strength Training

Functional strength exercises help maintain stability in the hips, core, and back. This can reduce common pregnancy discomforts and improve endurance for labour.

Mobility and Movement Preparation

Gentle mobility work helps maintain joint health and reduce stiffness as your body changes throughout pregnancy.

Breathing Techniques for Labour

Breathing strategies are taught to help manage intra-abdominal pressure, support core stability, and provide useful tools for coping with contractions during labour.

Preparing for Postpartum Recovery

One of the unique benefits of this class is the focus on early postpartum recovery.

Participants will learn strategies that support healing after delivery, including:

• Safe return-to-exercise guidelines
• Core and pelvic floor reconnection
• Strategies to protect the pelvic floor during daily activities
• Foundations for long-term pelvic health

Understanding these principles during pregnancy helps set the stage for a smoother recovery after birth.

A Supportive Community for Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time. Our group physiotherapy classes provide a supportive environment where pregnant individuals can connect, ask questions, and share experiences.

In addition to expert guidance from a pelvic health physiotherapist, participants often find comfort in building community with others navigating pregnancy.

Insurance Coverage for Physiotherapy Classes

Because this class is led by a licensed physiotherapist, some extended health insurance plans may cover the sessions. Coverage varies depending on your plan.

If you are unsure about your benefits, our team can help you determine whether your insurance may apply.

Join Our Prenatal Pelvic Floor Class in Kanata

If you are pregnant and looking for expert guidance on pelvic floor health, labour preparation, and postpartum recovery, our prenatal physiotherapy class can help you feel more prepared and supported.

Our clinic proudly serves families in Kanata, Stittsville, and the greater Ottawa area.

FAQs About Prenatal Pelvic Floor Classes

When should I start pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy?

Pelvic floor exercises can be started at any point during pregnancy. Many people begin in the first or second trimester, but it is never too late to learn proper pelvic floor coordination.

Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help prepare for labour?

Yes. Learning how to both activate and relax the pelvic floor can support effective pushing during labour and may reduce strain on these muscles during delivery.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy and pregnancy-safe exercises are generally safe for most individuals. Exercises are modified based on trimester, symptoms, and individual needs.

Do prenatal pelvic floor classes help prevent postpartum issues?

Strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of postpartum concerns such as urinary leakage or pelvic floor weakness.

Do I need a referral to attend a pelvic floor physiotherapy class?

In most cases, a referral is not required to attend physiotherapy services, though some insurance plans may request one for reimbursement.

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