Maternity & Neonatal Voices in Partnership (MNVP)
Pelvic health during pregnancy and up to 1 year after birth
Your body goes through many changes when you are pregnant. These changes help you grow, carry, and birth your baby.
It can sometimes be hard to know which changes are normal and when you should get help. The Perinatal Pelvic Health Service can help if you have problems with your pelvic health during your pregnancy or for up to 1 year after giving birth. This time is called the perinatal period.
The Perinatal Pelvic Health Team at CDDFT
At CDDFT we have a dedicated team to support you with your pelvic health. Our specialist physiotherapists provide personalised care, offering advice and treatment to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The lead midwife for pelvic health works closely with staff, supporting them to continually develop their skills in preventing pelvic health problems and promoting best practice across our services.
We also run an enhanced one-stop clinic for those who may need consultant input, in these clinics physiotherapists and consultant uro-gynaecologists work together to ensure you receive joined-up, expert care.
Symptoms
Our friendly team of physiotherapists have expertise in the assessment and management of a range of symptoms, including:
- Leaking wee (urinary incontinence)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Finding it hard to empty all of the wee from your bladder
- 3rd or 4th degree tears from childbirth (OASI)
- Leaking poo or wind
- Pooing less than 4 times a week (constipation)
- Cuts or tears between your vagina and bottom (episiotomy or perineal tears)
- A feeling of heaviness or bulging in your vagina (symptoms of prolapse)
- Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)
- Back and pelvic pain (pelvic girdle pain or PGP)
- Separated tummy muscles (diastasis rectus abdominis)
Treatment
Treatment can be offered in a number of ways, including:
- Telephone assessments / treatment
- Treatment in groups which may include advice and exercise
- One-to-one face to face treatments
Pelvic health is about taking care of the muscles that support your bowel, bladder and womb. These muscles are called your pelvic floor muscles.
Useful tips
Useful tips to prevent problems with your pelvic health and keep your bladder and bowel.
Make sure you empty your bladder and bowel as well as you can:
- When you wee, try to take your time and relax. Gently rock backwards and forwards, or put a bit of pressure on your lower tummy with your hand. These things can help you to fully empty your bladder
- When pooing, Try not to strain. You can adjust your posture to try to empty your bowels properly without straining
- Try having your feet apart and putting them up on a small stool
- Rest your arms comfortably on your legs
- Try to keep your tummy relaxed
- Try not to hold your breath
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are important.
It is important to learn how to do pelvic floor exercises properly. Relaxing the muscles is just as important as squeezing them.
Perineal massage can help to prevent tears during the birth of your baby.
