Myth: Labor Prep Induces Labor

As a pelvic floor physical therapist—and a mom myself—I often get asked, “Do I really need to prep for labor?”
The answer? Yes. And not just for you, but for your baby, your body, and your partner, too.

Labor prep isn't about memorizing breathing patterns or perfecting a single birth position. It’s about learning how to open your body, relax your pelvic floor, and work with your baby’s movements, not against them. Here’s why it matters—and how it can make a powerful difference in your birth experience.

What’s the Point of Labor Prep?

Why every birthing person deserves pelvic floor education before birth

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, one of the most common things I hear postpartum is:
“I wish I had known this before I gave birth.”

That’s why labor prep is more than just birth affirmations and packing your hospital bag. It’s about preparing your body, your mind, and your support system for one of the most powerful transitions of your life. And yes—your pelvic floorplays a huge role.

So let’s talk about why labor prep is so important, and what it can actually look like when it’s led by someone who understands anatomy, movement, and the lived experience of birth.

1. Your Pelvis Isn’t Just a Bowl—It’s a Pathway

During labor, your baby doesn’t simply “drop.” They rotate, descend, and shift through three distinct stations of your pelvis:

• Inlet (top)

• Midpelvis (middle)

• Outlet (bottom)

Each of these requires different shapes and movements of the pelvis to help baby navigate smoothly. Through labor prep, you’ll learn how to position your body to open each part of the pelvis at the right time—giving your baby the space and angles they need to progress.

Example: Wide knees and leaning forward may help open the inlet, while squatting or side-lying opens the outlet.

2. A Relaxed Pelvic Floor Is a Powerful One

Most people think of strength when they think of the pelvic floor—but relaxation is equally important, especially in labor.

In the final stages of birth, the baby needs to pass through your pelvic floor muscles, and if those muscles are tense, shortened, or guarded, it can create resistance—making pushing harder and potentially increasing the chance of tearing or needing interventions.

Labor prep should be where you:

• Learn how to recognize and release tension in the pelvic floor.

• Use breath and voice to soften and open through contractions.

• Create mind-body connection with their pelvic floor before the big day.

3. Pushing Isn’t Just About Effort—It’s About Strategy

Pushing is not instinctual for everyone—especially for people who’ve spent years holding in their pelvic floor.
Many moms don't know how to engage the right muscles, and end up pushing through their face, neck, or chest instead of directing power downwards.

Must know labor prep pushing strategies:

• The difference between bearing down vs. breath-holding.

• Position options for pushing (you don’t have to be on your back!).

• How to coordinate breath, core, and pelvic floor for effective pushing.

This knowledge can reduce fatigue, prevent injury, and lead to a more empowering experience—regardless of how your birth unfolds.

4. Your Partner Isn’t Just a Cheerleader

Labor prep isn’t just for the birthing person. It’s also for the person holding your hand, massaging your back, and whispering “you’ve got this” through contractions.

They should learn how to:

Perform hands-on techniques like hip squeezes, sacral decompression, and counterpressure.

• Practice communication strategies for when you’re in the zone and can’t talk.

• Understand what’s happening in the body so they can anticipate your needs.

When partners feel confident and included, they become active participants, not bystanders—and that changes everything.

Labor Prep Is Education + Embodiment

Labor prep isn’t about controlling every detail of your birth—it’s about entering it with knowledge, tools, and support.
It’s about helping your baby navigate the bony landscape of your pelvis, helping your muscles yield when needed, and helping you channel strength you didn’t know you had.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or something in between—this work prepares you for the real thing:
You. Your baby. Your body. Your way.

Ready to start preparing for your birth with confidence?

If you're pregnant and want guidance from a pelvic floor PT who blends clinical expertise with real-life mom wisdom, let's work together.

👉Download my free app, reBlume, to learn about your pelvic floor and prep for the labor you and your baby need
👉Work with me 1:1 online or in person here

I want pregnant moms everywhere to experience less pelvic floor dysfunction and more healthy healing! There’s nothing like personal care from an expert, which is why I recommend finding a certified pelvic floor physical therapist near you. 

But many women don’t have access or coverage for this service — and others just want to supplement their work in a PT setting with at-home, easy-to-follow movements that are programmed out step by step, week by week. That’s why I created this seamless online pregnancy and postpartum pelvic health program. It’s called reBlume, and I think you will love it.

This program was carefully designed by me, a pelvic floor physical therapist, to help you feel comfortable, confident, and capable in your pregnancy journey. Inside, you’ll find:

• More than 10 educational modules that will help you understand your body and advocate for what you need for a safe and strong pregnancy, labor and recovery.

• A 36 week movement plan (for vaginal or c-sections) to strengthen you in your second trimester, prepare you for an incredible labor in your third trimester, and help you feel your strongest after your baby arrives!

• 1:1 direct messaging with me, a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner and mom of two whose been through it.

• A free app with lifetime access so you can reference this content forever.

You can be educated and fearless - it’s never too late to start.