What No One Tells You About Your Pregnant Body

Dr. Jen Holt, PT, DPT

Pregnancy doesn’t always feel magical—and that’s okay. Let’s talk about what’s really going on with your body, without shame or fluff.

You Can Love Your Baby and Struggle with Pregnancy

There’s a lot of pressure to glow through pregnancy. The bump pics, the baby kicks, the gender reveals—social media makes it look like a Pinterest-worthy experience from start to finish. But for many women? It’s not all joy, stretchy pants, and ultrasound tears.

It can be overwhelming. Uncomfortable. Even a little lonely.

You’re allowed to feel grateful and frustrated at the same time. That doesn’t make you a bad mom—it makes you human. Pregnancy is a massive physical and emotional shift, and pretending it’s all bliss only makes it harder for the women who are quietly struggling.

So let’s get real about what’s happening in your body. These are the things your OB might not have time to explain, your mom might not remember, and your friends might feel too awkward to bring up. And most importantly, let’s talk about how prenatal physical therapy can help you feel better—before, during, and after birth.

Leaking During Pregnancy: Common, Not Normal

Let’s start with something no one warned you about: leaking. Not just frequent peeing—but full-on leaking when you sneeze, laugh, or stand up too fast.

Incontinence during pregnancy is often brushed off as “just one of those things,” but that doesn’t make it normal. It’s a sign that your pelvic floor needs support. And guess what? That’s exactly what pelvic floor therapy is designed to address.

• You should be peeing every 2–4 hours during the day
• Your urine should be pale yellow, not crystal clear
• One to two bathroom trips at night (in early and late pregnancy) is expected

But if you’re constantly sprinting to the bathroom—or worse, leaking on the way there—it’s time to get curious, not embarrassed. Sparkling water, coffee, and tea can also increase urgency due to pH changes in your bladder. It’s not about cutting everything out; it’s about understanding what your body’s telling you.

Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Another “wait, what is happening?” moment: the increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Totally normal, especially in the third trimester when blood flow to the area increases to prepare for birth.

If it’s:

• Clear or white
• Odorless
• Free of itching or burning

…then you’re in the clear. Many women find comfort in using liners daily. But if anything feels off—trust your gut. Discharge is one way your body communicates with you, and any sudden changes are worth a conversation with your provider.

Constipation and Hemorrhoids: The Pregnancy Combo No One Wants

You know what’s not glamorous? Constipation and hemorrhoids—but they’re incredibly common during pregnancy, thanks to shifting hormones and a growing uterus compressing your digestive tract.

Here’s the kicker: constipation doesn’t just mean struggling on the toilet. It means going less than once a day or feeling like you’re never quite “done.”

What helps:

• Drinking lots of water (add electrolytes if needed)
• Adding magnesium to support muscle relaxation and digestion
• Staying active (even gentle walking counts!)
• Responding to the urge to go—don’t wait

By staying regular, you can also reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids—especially during the pushing phase of labor. If you’ve already got them (they’re super common), now’s the time to manage and minimize discomfort.

Leg Cramps Are More Than Just Annoying

Ever wake up mid-dream to a searing pain in your calf that makes you want to scream into your pillow? Yep, that’s a leg cramp, and they’re especially common in the second and third trimesters.

Magnesium, again, is a game-changer here. Most pregnant women aren’t getting enough of it, and it helps:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Improve sleep
• Support healthy bowel movements
• Prevent cramping

Add that to better hydration and gentle stretching before bed, and your legs will thank you.

Pain During Pregnancy: You Don’t Have to Just “Deal With It”

Let’s debunk a myth: Pain during pregnancy is not something you have to simply push through.

Whether it’s:

• Low back pain
• Pelvic or hip discomfort
• Rib aches
• Neck and shoulder tension

...none of it should be dismissed as “just part of the deal.”

Your body is changing rapidly to support your growing baby. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer. This is where prenatal physical therapy can work wonders—by helping your body move better, feel better, and stay strong for birth and beyond.

We also love incorporating craniosacral therapy and referring to Webster-certified chiropractors when needed. These approaches help with preparing your body for pregnancy and labor by improving alignment, reducing tension, and promoting more efficient movement.

You Deserve to Be Supported—Not Just Sent Home with a Pamphlet

You’re doing something incredible. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it unsupported.

If you’re dealing with:

• Pain during pregnancy
• Leaking during pregnancy
• Constipation or hemorrhoids
• Or just feeling out of touch with your changing body

—we’re here to help. At Genesis PT & Wellness, our pelvic health experts specialize in root-cause healing. We don’t just manage symptoms. We listen to your story, assess your body holistically, and create a personalized plan to help you thrive—not just survive.

Book Your Prenatal Physical Therapy Consultation Today

Your pregnancy deserves more than just symptom management. Let us help you feel strong, confident, and supported—every step of the way.

Book your visit with Genesis PT & Wellness and discover how prenatal physical therapy can transform your pregnancy experience. 

Click here to book with a Texas therapist!

Click here to book with a Colorado therapist!