Pregnancy and childbirth are among life’s most beautiful adventures… and also among the greatest challenges for the perineum.

This often-overlooked muscle is put to the test for nine months, and then again during childbirth. The good news is that with the right information, you can take care of it before, during, and after.

Here’s what you need to know, without taboos or jargon.

Why does pregnancy put so much strain on the pelvic floor?

Let’s review: the perineum is that network of muscles at the base of the pelvis that supports the organs (bladder, intestines, uterus).

During pregnancy, it must support an increasing weight: that of the baby, the growing uterus, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid.

Added to this mechanical pressure are hormonal changes, which naturally soften the tissues to prepare the body for childbirth.

⇒ The result: the perineum is both under greater strain and more relaxed. This explains why some women already notice minor urinary leakage or a feeling of heaviness during pregnancy.

What about during childbirth?

During a vaginal delivery, the perineum is under significant strain: it must stretch considerably to allow the baby to pass through.

This is a strenuous time for this area, which is why it may require special care afterward.

Note: Even in the case of a C-section, the perineum has been strained during the months of pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, the question of its recovery therefore also arises.

After the Baby: Time to Recover

In the weeks following childbirth, it’s normal for the perineum to be weakened. Urinary leakage, a feeling of looseness, or heaviness may occur: this is common, and most importantly, it’s temporary if you take care of it.

This is where the well-known postpartum perineal rehabilitation comes in.

In France, it is routinely offered after childbirth, and for good reason: it helps you gradually regain tone and control in this area.

It is performed with a healthcare professional (midwife or physical therapist), usually a few weeks after birth, once the green light has been given during the postnatal visit.

How is the rehabilitation going?

Don’t worry—it’s nothing to be intimidated by. Rehabilitation begins with an assessment, followed by awareness training for the pelvic floor and progressive exercises.

Depending on your needs, the therapist may use techniques such as biofeedback or electrostimulation, performed using a pelvic floor rehabilitation probe.

These tools allow you to visualize and stimulate muscle activity in a targeted and measurable way. Part of the rehabilitation can also be continued at home, at your own pace, using a specialized probe connected to a stimulator, always under professional supervision.

At Sugar International, this has been our core business for 30 years: designing probes specifically intended to gently support this process.

Some useful tips during this time

While this is not a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider, there are some good habits that can help you take care of your pelvic floor after childbirth:

→ Avoid lifting heavy objects during the first few weeks,
→ manage constipation (which increases pressure),
→ and, most importantly, don’t start high-impact sports (running, jumping) too soon before completing your postpartum recovery exercises.

The pelvic floor needs time to recover.

A Word for Expectant and New Moms

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring many changes, and the perineum is one of them.

There’s no shame in talking about it, learning more, and seeking support—in fact, it’s the best way to navigate this time with peace of mind and regain your comfort.

You’re not alone, and there are solutions.

To conclude…

The perineum is put under a great deal of strain during pregnancy and childbirth, which is why it’s so important to help it recover after giving birth.

Postpartum perineal rehabilitation, supervised by a professional and possibly continued at home with a suitable device, helps restore tone and comfort.

Before, during, and after: it’s best to understand your pelvic floor so you can take better care of it.

⇒ To understand the basics, (re)read our article “The Perineum: Definition, Role, and Importance for Health ⬈.” And to learn everything about the process, check out our article “Perineal Rehabilitation: Process, Steps, and Techniques ⬈”