Pregnancy with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Support You in Boston

By Kristin Kennedy, PT, DPT

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders, that journey can come with added complexity. At Wellest Health, we specialize in treating people with connective tissue disorders using a whole-body approach, with a particular focus on pelvic floor physical therapy in Boston. Whether you're planning to conceive, are already pregnant, or newly postpartum, our team is here to help you navigate this experience with confidence, support, and expert care.

Why Pregnancy Can Be More Challenging for People with EDS

A key feature of EDS is joint hypermobility, and during pregnancy, that hypermobility often increases due to rising levels of relaxin and other hormones that loosen ligaments and prepare the body for labor. For someone with already-lax connective tissue, this can mean increased risk of:

• Joint instability and pain (especially in the pelvis, SI joints, hips and low back)

• Pubic symphysis or SI joint dysfunction

• Increased joint dislocations or subluxations

This is why we strongly recommend scheduling an early pelvic floor physical therapy assessment to establish a baseline of strength and joint stability. Being proactive helps us create a plan that prevents worsening symptoms and supports you through all three trimesters.

Bracing and External Support

When you have hypermobility, bracing isn't a last resort; it’s a powerful prevention tool. Using external supports like SI belts, belly bands, or compression garments early and often can protect vulnerable joints, minimize pain, and reduce swelling. Our Boston pelvic floor physical therapists can guide you in choosing and fitting the right support tools for your body to compliment any strengthening and stability exercises your therapist recommends.

Pelvic Floor Conditions During and After Pregnancy with EDS

With increase laxity in connective tissue and pressure from pregnancy, those with EDS are more susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction, which is why pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum is so important.

Common pelvic floor issues we address in our Boston clinic include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, or rectum shifting downward)

• Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise)

• Urge incontinence or frequent urination

• Constipation or difficulty fully emptying the bowels

• Pelvic or tailbone pain

• Pain with sex (dyspareunia)

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

These conditions may present sooner, more intensely, or last longer in people with EDS compared to the general population, making early intervention essential.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Wellest Health, our Boston-based pelvic floor physical therapists take a hypermobility-informed approach to pregnancy and postpartum care. Here’s how we can help:

During pregnancy, we support you by:

• Managing pelvic and joint pain

• Teaching body mechanics and movement strategies for daily life

• Supporting the pelvic floor without over-tightening (common in hypermobile patients)

• Preparing your body for birth with safe positions, pushing techniques, and perineal protection strategies

After birth, we help with:

• Recovery from vaginal or cesarean delivery

• Rebuilding pelvic floor and core strength in a gentle, individualized way

• Addressing prolapse, incontinence, or pain

• Supporting return to intimacy, exercise, and function without flaring symptoms

Compassionate, Holistic Pregnancy Support in Boston for EDS

We know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming pregnancy can feel when you’re managing hypermobility. That’s why our pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Boston offers a holistic, compassionate, and personalized approach to your care. Whether you're newly pregnant or are dealing with issues during the postpartum period, you deserve a care team that understands the unique needs of hypermobility and connective tissue disorders.

Reach out to schedule your initial evaluation with a pelvic floor physical therapist at Wellest Health in Boston. Let’s create a plan that keeps you strong, stable, and empowered before, during, and after birth.

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