In this month’s clinical column, Erica Lewis, a Perinatal Pelvic Health Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and Nicola Fisher, a Perinatal Pelvic Health Specialist Midwives at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, explain how the trust’s dedicated Perinatal Pelvic Health Service is supporting women and birthing people with common pelvic health concerns during pregnancy and after birth.
We often hear women say they thought leaking urine, pelvic discomfort or pain after birth was just something they had to live with. Many are surprised to learn that help is available, and that these symptoms are common, treatable and not something to feel embarrassed about.
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic floor, the group of muscles and tissues that support the bladder, bowel and uterus. Changes to these muscles can lead to issues such as bladder or bowel leakage, a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the pelvis, pain during sex or ongoing discomfort following a tear or episiotomy – a surgical cut made in the perineum. These problems can affect confidence, relationships and day-to-day life, yet many people delay seeking help.
That is why we offer a dedicated Perinatal Pelvic Health Service for those receiving maternity care through East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust. This specialist service supports women and birthing people throughout pregnancy and for up to 12 months after birth, focusing on prevention, early identification and treatment of pelvic health concerns.
The service is delivered by a Perinatal Specialist Midwife and a Perinatal Specialist Physiotherapist who are trained in pelvic health. After a referral, you will be offered an individual assessment and a personalised plan to support your recovery. This may include advice on pelvic floor exercises, bladder and bowel health, scar management and safe return to activity. Care is tailored to your needs and takes into account that recovery takes time.
Importantly, you do not need to wait until symptoms become severe. Seeking advice early can reduce the risk of long-term problems and help you feel more confident in your body during, or after, pregnancy and birth. Just as importantly, pelvic health issues are never a sign that you have done something wrong. They are a common consequence of the physical changes of pregnancy and birth.
You can self-refer to the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service at any point during pregnancy or within the first year after a pregnancy, provided you are booked for maternity care at Lister Hospital or through our community services. There is no need to feel awkward about raising these concerns; we discuss them every day and understand how sensitive they can feel.
Looking after your pelvic health is an important part of looking after your overall wellbeing. If something does not feel right, please know that support is available and that you deserve care that helps you recover, rebuild strength and feel like yourself again.
Further information and details on how to self-refer can be found on our Perinatal Pelvis Health Service page.
