Going Back to School: Don’t Forget About Your Pelvic Floor

As the summer holidays come to an end, many mums are preparing for the return to school. Between organising uniforms, packing lunchboxes and getting everyone back into a routine, it’s easy to put your own health at the bottom of the list.

But the start of a new school year can also be the perfect opportunity to check in with your body—especially your pelvic floor.

Why the Back-to-School Period Matters

The summer often brings changes to our normal routines. You may have been lifting children more frequently, spending long days out and about, travelling, or finding less time for exercise and self-care.

As routines return, many women notice symptoms they’ve been ignoring, including:

• Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or exercising
• A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the vagina
• Pelvic or lower back discomfort
• Difficulty returning to running or the gym
• Ongoing abdominal weakness after pregnancy

These symptoms are common—but they are not something you simply have to live with.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Can Have Long-Term Effects

Even if your youngest child is now at school, pregnancy and childbirth can continue to influence your pelvic health years later.

The pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. During pregnancy they work harder than ever before, and childbirth can stretch or weaken these muscles. For some women, symptoms don’t become noticeable until years later, particularly when returning to exercise or approaching menopause.

Returning to Exercise Safely

Many mums use September as a chance to restart fitness routines.

Whether you’re returning to the gym, taking up running or joining a Pilates class, ensuring your pelvic floor and core are functioning well can help reduce the risk of symptoms developing or worsening.

A pelvic health assessment can identify any areas of weakness, overactivity or poor coordination before they become bigger problems.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Pelvic health physiotherapy isn’t just about doing Kegel exercises.

Treatment may include:

• Assessment of your pelvic floor muscles
• Breathing and pressure management
• Core rehabilitation
• Advice on returning to exercise
• Bladder and bowel education
• Individual exercise programmes

Every treatment plan is tailored to your body and your goals.

Investing in Your Health

As your children head back to school, it’s worth asking yourself one simple question:

“When was the last time I prioritised my own health?”

Looking after your pelvic floor can improve confidence, reduce symptoms and help you enjoy exercise and everyday life without worrying about leaks, pain or heaviness.

If you’ve been putting your symptoms to one side, now could be the perfect time to seek specialist support.