Ep. 16: Living Well with Prolapse & Scoliosis: What Women Should Know feat. Dr. Margo
In this third installment of the pelvic floor series, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth welcome pelvic health specialist Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski for an in-depth conversation about pelvic organ prolapse:
What it is
Why it happens
Most crucially, why it doesn’t have to mean the end of lifting, movement, or feeling strong in your body.
Dr. Margo shares her personal story of being diagnosed with prolapse after the birth of her first child. Though she was already a pelvic floor physical therapist, she craved connection & community with others managing this diagnosis. As a young mom in search of support, she found mostly discouraging information geared toward much older women. That gap led her to create education and resources specifically for younger, active women navigating postpartum recovery.
Together, they discuss:
What pelvic organ prolapse actually is (and what it feels like)
Why symptoms like heaviness, leaking, or back pain can occur
The difference between being diagnosed with prolapse and having symptoms
Why lifting weights does not cause prolapse — and may actually be protective
How proper pressure management and core coordination matter more than avoiding heavy loads
The “retirement account” analogy for pelvic health and menopause
The role of genetics, hypermobility, and vaginal delivery as risk factors
The possible connection between scoliosis and pelvic floor dysfunction
How fear of movement can worsen symptoms over time
One major takeaway of this discussion is the use of pessaries as a treatment option— supportive medical-grade silicone devices that can act like a “sports bra for the pelvic floor.” Dr. Margo explains how pessaries can reduce symptoms, improve muscle activation, and allow women to return to lifting and exercise with more confidence — without replacing the need for strength training and rehab.
Dr. Margo shares her own experience managing scoliosis, working with Dr. Laura and how improving spinal alignment and rotational balance has positively impacted her pelvic floor function and lifting performance.
In summary, prolapse is common and manageable. Most importantly, having a pelvic organ prolapse does not mean you have to stop lifting, moving, or living fully. With the right tools, education, and support, women can build strength, confidence, and long-term resilience.
Click to go to the podcast website!
About Our Guest
Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski is a pelvic floor physical therapist based in Ventura, California and founder of P4Moms. She specializes in helping postpartum women manage pelvic organ prolapse, return to lifting, and feel strong and confident in their bodies again.
Find her at:
Website: P4Moms.com
Instagram: @postpartum_pop_pt
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