Pregnancy Physical Therapy

We specialize in prenatal pelvic health physical therapy, birth preparation, and general pregnancy wellness for the Thousand Oaks community and greater Conejo Valley.

prenatal pt treatment at cappuccino physical therapy in thousand oaks

pelvic pt during pregnancy is, in our opinion, a “must”.

Too many women live with symptoms that are common, but NOT normal, during pregnancy. We know that many pregnant women assume that the symptoms they feel are just a part of being pregnant and something that they just need to deal with.

Pregnancy doesn’t have to be full of aches, pains, and fear around what to expect while you are pregnant, during birth, and preparing for the postpartum period.

Our prenatal physical therapy sessions can help you feel great throughout pregnancy and prepare you in every way possible for birth and beyond.

We help our pregnant women thrive by offering treatment for:

  • Round Ligament Pain

  • SI joint pain

  • Pubic Symphysis Diastasis

  • Low Back Pain

  • Hip pain

  • Pelvic pain

  • …and more.

We also offer a comprehensive birth preparation program that provides you with all the tools and resources you need to help you make informed decisions during the birthing process in order to reduce the risk of pelvic floor injury.

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You deserve expert guidance during pregnancy, not guesswork.

If you have questions, fears, or discomfort and want to protect your pelvic floor long term, pelvic physical therapy can help you feel confident in your body again.

Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what is normal, what is not, or how to take care of your pelvic floor the right way. You do not have to wait until something feels wrong to ask for help. Pelvic physical therapy provides education, reassurance, and personalized care so you can feel informed, supported, and prepared throughout pregnancy and beyond.

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treatment for pregnancy physical therapy in thousand oaks

Birth Preparation and Education

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an important part of preparing for delivery, and has many benefits for pregnant women. Whether you're expecting your first child or adding to your family, taking care of your pelvic floor is a proactive step toward a more comfortable and empowering pregnancy and childbirth.

Our comprehensive birth preparation program provides you with all the tools and resources you need to help you make informed decisions during the birthing process in order to reduce the risk of pelvic floor injury.

This includes:

  • Extensive education on the birthing process to empower you through birth

  • Perineal massage to reduce the risk of tearing

  • Optimize hip, pelvic, and spine mobility to facilitate an easier delivery

  • Ideal positions for the first and second stage of labor to help the baby engage and descend

  • Breathing techniques and pushing practice to reduce the risk of tearing

  • Pushing in different positions to find out which is best for YOUR pelvic floor

  • Education on early postpartum recovery including techniques to lift and carry the baby without putting excessive pressure on the pelvic floor .

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Physical therapy and our birth preparation program

  • Birth prep with a pelvic floor physical therapist focuses on preparing your body for labor, delivery, and recovery. We address pelvic floor coordination (not just strength), breathing strategies, pushing mechanics, mobility, and positions that support an easier birth and reduce pelvic floor injury risk.

  • This program is ideal for:

    • Any birthing person, especially first timers

    • Anyone wanting to reduce tearing, prolapse, or pelvic floor injury

    • Those with pain, pressure, or pelvic floor symptoms in pregnancy

    • Anyone who wants to feel confident and prepared for labor

    Even if you’ve had a baby before, birth prep can make a big difference.

  • At Cappuccino Physical Therapy, the ideal time to start birth prep is in the second trimester, around 14 weeks. We absolutely can see you later on in your pregnancy, but the sooner you start, the better. We can also see you in the first trimester, but usually hold off on internal work until the second trimester. 

  • Not at all. Birth prep is preventative, not just for people with pain or symptoms. Many injuries happen during labor, and preparation can significantly reduce risk. It’s so much better to be proactive than reactive. 

  • Our birth prep program includes 

    • First trimester: 

      • If you are dealing with pregnancy related aches and pains we can see you in the first trimester. We will hold off on internal work until the second trimester

    • Second trimester

      • monthly visits in which we obtain a baseline pelvic floor assessment

      •  birth prep stretching

      • exercise guidance and modifications

      • Whole body mobility 

    • Third trimester: weekly visits for 5-6 visits including 

      • Labor and delivery positions

      • Breathing and pushing strategies 

      • Perineal massage education

      • Pelvic mobility and stretching

      • Partner support tips

      • Postpartum recovery planning

  • It depends on when you start. If you start early in the second trimester (which is what we recommend), you can expect about 10 visits spread out throughout your pregnancy. If you start in the third trimester, you can expect 6 visits once a week for 6 weeks. 

  • While nothing can guarantee no tearing, research shows that proper pushing mechanics, pelvic floor relaxation, perineal massage, and optimal positioning can significantly reduce the severity of tearing and pelvic floor trauma.

  • Yes! Birth prep helps with:

    • Labor positioning before and after an epidural

    • Pushing strategies even with limited sensation

    • C-section education and recovery preparation

    • Core and pelvic floor protection regardless of birth type

  • Birth prep at Cappuccino Physical Therapy complements childbirth education classes, but it focuses specifically on your body. We go deeper into pelvic floor function, birth mechanics, and movement than most traditional classes.

    Our sessions are completely individualized. We assess your pelvic floor, explore pushing positions that work best for you, find what position your pelvic floor relaxes in the most, and prescribe hip mobility and movement strategies tailored to your body and your birth goals.

  • Partners are welcome! We teach them how to:

    • Support you during labor

    • Teach pain management techniques

    • Assist with positions and breathing

    • Understand what’s happening with your body

  • Yes. Pelvic floor physical therapy is safe and evidence-based during pregnancy when provided by a trained pelvic health specialist.

  • Great! Birth prep builds on that foundation and focuses specifically on labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery strategies.

  • Absolutely. Every pregnancy is different, and your body changes over time. Birth prep is beneficial for every pregnancy, not just the first, because sessions are tailored to your current needs and birth goals.

  • Call our office or fill out the contact form located here to schedule your birth prep sessions.