Perinatal Pelvic Health Service

Pelvic health during and after your baby has been born

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.

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.

maternity female running pregnant pregnancy.jpg Mild to moderate exercise is good for both you and your baby and most people during pregnancy will find moderate exercise to help to improve their mental and physical health. Pregnancy can be a good opportunity to improve your level of fitness. Brisk walking and swimming (or aquanatal classes) are excellent. If you are used to exercising you can continue with your normal routine if you feel well. Our midwives and maternity care assistants offer aquanatal across County Durham and Darlington.