Strength Training, Pregnancy, & Pelvic Health with Dr. Becky Maidansky | Stronger Is Better Podcast #7

Send a textIn this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with Dr. Becky Maidansky, pelvic floor specialist and founder of Lady Bird Physical Therapy https://www.ladybirdpt.com/ in Austin, TX. They explore the realities of training through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, and why strength is one of the most underappreciated tools in women’s health. This conversation bridges the gap between medical rehab and high-performance coaching—essential listening for strength coaches, pregnant athletes, and anyone working with women in the gym.00:00 - Intro & how Becky got involved with Starting Strength Austin01:15 - Lifting workshop recap & Becky’s team background03:27 - What is pelvic health PT?05:04 - Why Becky started Lady Bird PT07:12 - Pregnancy isn’t a problem to manage—training is essential10:00 - Medical conservatism, strength, and female physiology13:23 - Training during pregnancy: Becky’s and Nick’s coaching experience16:36 - What guidelines should lifters follow?20:20 - What symptoms matter and how to respond22:55 - Exercise modifications & movement adjustments24:58 - The role of energy availability during pregnancy26:07 - Postpartum recovery: timelines and expectations29:54 - Real-world coaching after pregnancy32:03 - Strength persists post-pregnancy34:12 - Weighing health vs. aesthetic goals postpartum35:16 - Strength training protects pelvic health37:24 - Stress incontinence: how coaches should think about it41:08 - Common causes & symptoms44:25 - What coaches can ask—and what’s in their scope46:35 - How and when to modify training for stress incontinence51:18 - Proper Valsalva vs. bearing down54:03 - Practical breathing cues to reduce pelvic stress55:35 - Do Kegels work? It depends59:18 - Are there standard pelvic floor strengthening protocols?1:00:52 - When to refer out to pelvic PT1:03:42 - Understanding prolapse & how to respond1:07:28 - What is a pessary and who might benefit from one?1:08:29 - How to contact Dr. Becky Maidansky⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: [email protected]