If you have a third- or fourth-degree tear (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI)) or delivered via the use of forceps we will aim to see you on the post-natal wards before you leave hospital. Your post-natal midwife will need to refer you to the perinatal pelvic health service (PPHS) for you to be seen before you leave hospital.
The aim of the ward visit is to provide perinatal education and advice prior to your discharge as well as arrange appropriate outpatient PPHS follow up.
Please see our video about caring for your perineum after the birth of your baby for advice.
Additional Information and Advice:
- How to do pelvic floor exercises
- Squeezy Connect app
- Visit the Talking Therapy website for information on mental and emotional support
- Visit the Happity website for groups and events
- Visit the Masic website which gives support for women injured during childbirth
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Any individuals pregnant or in the post-partum year that are experiencing bladder, bowel or vaginal issues should seek help to manage these symptoms.
Symptoms of pelvic floor issues can include:
- Leakage of your bladder and/or your bowels
- Having to rush to the toilet for your bladder and/or bowels
- Reduced control of wind
- Pain around the area of skin between your vagina and back passage (perineum)
- A bulge or a heaviness in your vagina
Our pelvic floor physiotherapy service is designed to provide care to help manage any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in the post-partum year.
How we can help after birth:
- Recovery support following caesarean section or perineal trauma.
- Management of diastasis recti (tummy muscle separation).
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation for bladder, bowel or vaginal symptoms.
- Guidance on safe return to exercise and physical activity.
- Support for ongoing pelvic girdle or back pain.
- Signposting to perinatal mental health and wellbeing services.
How to get referred to referred for postnatal physiotherapy
Please obtain a referral to our postnatal physiotherapy service via your midwife, GP or hospital Consultant.
Information Leaflets
- Third or fourth degree tear
- Pelvic Floor Muscle exercises and bladder advice
- Exercise and advice after having a baby