Pregnancy involves a progressive transformation of the female body at a structural, hormonal, and functional level. When gestation is achieved after fertility treatment or Assisted reproduction (IVF), clinical follow-up is usually more personalized and preventive.
In this context, pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy are not a generic recommendation… but a preventive intervention based on scientific evidence aimed at:
- Reducing gestational and postpartum urinary incontinence
- Improve lumbopelvic stability
- Preventing perineal dysfunctions
- Optimize postpartum recovery
Integrating pelvic floor care into specialized obstetric monitoring allows for the anticipation of functional complications and improves the pregnancy experience. Therefore, pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy should be considered part of the preventive approach in any monitored pregnancy.
Table of Contents
- 1 Physiological changes of pregnancy that affect the pelvic floor
- 2 Why are pelvic floor exercises important during pregnancy?
- 3 Preventable dysfunctions
- 4 Kegel exercises during pregnancy: correct technique
- 5 Frequently asked questions about pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy
- 6 The emotional component after assisted reproduction
- 7 Multidisciplinary approach at Inebir
Physiological changes of pregnancy that affect the pelvic floor
During pregnancy, progressive adaptations occur that increase the demand on the lumbopelvic complex.
Mechanical changes
The growth of the uterus causes:
- Sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure
- Downward overload on the pelvis
- Modification of the center of gravity
- Increased stress on ligaments and pelvic fascia
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy hormones alter the stability of connective tissue:
- Progesterone: promotes muscle relaxation
- Relaxin: increases ligament elasticity
- Estrogens: alter the composition of collagen
These adaptations facilitate childbirth, but they can also compromise the support function if there is no proper training.
Why are pelvic floor exercises important during pregnancy?
The pelvic floor is a complex musculofascial system that acts as a dynamic support base for:
- Uterus
- Bladder
- Straight
He also participates in:
- Urinary and fecal continence
- Lumbar stability
- Coordination with breathing
- Sexual function
During pregnancy, you must support a greater load without losing coordination or support capacity.
Preventable dysfunctions
Proper training helps reduce the risk of:
- Gestational and postpartum urinary incontinence
- Sensation of vaginal pressure or heaviness
- Mild pelvic organ prolapse
- Lumbopelvic pain
- Prolonged perineal recovery after childbirth
Structured prevention improves medium and long-term results.
Kegel exercises during pregnancy: correct technique
Kegel exercises form the basis of pelvic floor training.
How to perform them correctly
Identify the deep muscles (as if trying to stop urination).
- Gently contract without activating the glutes or superficial abdomen.
- Hold the contraction for 5 seconds while exhaling.
- Breathe smoothly.
- Relax completely for 5 seconds.
- Perform 8-10 repetitions, 2-3 times a day.
The progression should be gradual and adapted to each quarter.
Safety of training after IVF
In clinically stable pregnancies, pelvic floor exercises are safe provided that:
- There is no active threat of abortion
- There is no persistent bleeding.
- There is no specific obstetric contraindication
Gentle exercise does not stimulate the uterus or cause contractions when performed correctly. In this sense, Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy after IVF They must always be adapted to the individual clinical context.
Frequently asked questions about pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy
When should you start pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy?
In low-risk pregnancies, training can begin from the first trimester, always with the approval of the obstetrics specialist.
It's not necessary to wait until the second or third trimester if the pregnancy is progressing normally. In fact, starting early allows for improved body awareness and the prevention of symptoms before they appear.
In pregnancies following fertility treatment, a prior individualized assessment is recommended to adapt the intensity and avoid unnecessary overloads.
Can I do pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy?
Yes. In most normal pregnancies, pelvic floor exercises are safe and recommended.
They do not increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth when performed with proper technique and without forcing.
However, they should be discontinued and a specialist consulted if they appear:
- severe abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- regular contractions
- Sensation of excessive pressure
- Initial supervision by specialized physiotherapy improves safety and effectiveness.
Where should a pregnant woman not be massaged?
During pregnancy, deep maneuvers or intense pressure should be avoided in:
- Abdomen
- Lower lumbar region without professional supervision
- Points that may stimulate contractions if there is an obstetric risk
As for perineal massage, it is usually recommended in the third trimester under professional guidance. It should not be performed prematurely or without specific indication.
Perineal massage can complement muscle training, but it does not replace it.
How to do Kegel exercises during pregnancy?
To perform Kegel exercises correctly:
Contract your deep muscles as if you were trying to prevent passing gas or stop the flow of urine.
- Hold the contraction for 5 seconds without holding your breath.
- Relax completely before repeating.
- Perform 8-10 repetitions per set.
- Practice 2-3 sets per day.
Avoid pushing down, tensing the shallow abdomen, or blocking your breathing.
If there are any doubts about the correct muscle activation, a professional assessment is recommended to avoid compensations.
The emotional component after assisted reproduction
Pregnancy after IVF It is usually experienced with greater emotional intensity. It is common to find:
- Fear of physical activity
- Feeling of fragility
- Tendency to avoid movement as a precaution
A structured and supervised program provides:
- Security
- Body confidence
- anxiety reduction
- Active participation in pregnancy care
Functional prevention also contributes to psychological well-being.
Multidisciplinary approach at Inebir
At Inebir, we have a Multidisciplinary Pelvic Floor Unit, where pelvic floor care is part of the comprehensive monitoring of pregnancy.
- The approach includes:
- Individualized functional assessment
- Adaptation by gestational trimester
- Coordination with the fertility and obstetrics team
- Postpartum follow-up
This multidisciplinary model allows for anticipating dysfunctions and optimizing functional recovery after birth.
Functional prevention in pregnancy after IVF: beyond obstetric follow-up
Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy after fertility treatment or IVF represent a safe preventive intervention, based on scientific evidence and oriented towards measurable functional results.
The combination of:
- medical evaluation
- Structured training
- Specialized supervision
- Multidisciplinary follow-up
It makes a significant difference in pelvic stability, continence, and postpartum recovery.
Incorporating pelvic floor exercises early in pregnancy significantly improves long-term functional outcomes.
At Inebir, we support each pregnancy after assisted reproduction from a comprehensive, scientific, and personalized perspective.
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