Perinatal Pelvic Health Service
It is common in pregnancy and throughout the postnatal period to experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. This can include: urinary or bladder leakage (known as incontinence), trouble controlling wind, painful / difficult intercourse, or pelvic organ prolapse.
Whilst it is common, it is not normal. You can access support through the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service if you are pregnant and up to 18 months postnatal.
Who are we?
The Perinatal Pelvic Health Service is part of a Cheshire and Merseyside programme aimed to improve access to perinatal pelvic health services and provide education around managing your own pelvic health and when to ask for help.
We are a dedicated team, delivering 1-1 clinics and classes at various sites across the Wirral…
- Erica Teegan, Specialist Perinatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapist (pictured below)
- Julie Pilkington, Specialist Perinatal Midwife
- Debra Seery, Perinatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assistant
How can we help you?
Once we receive your referral we aim to see or speak with you within 6 weeks. If you are pregnant we will aim to see you as soon as possible (typically 2-3 weeks).
We can offer advice and support on managing your symptoms independently as well as personalised exercises and treatments to help you to optimise your symptoms.
Treatment can include, Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels), Bladder Training, tips to improve Bowel Function, Relaxation and Pain Management, Functional Movement, and Core Strengthening.
Sometimes, birth injuries such as 3rd and 4th degree tearing require specialist support early after delivery. Once referred into the service, we aim to contact you as early as possible via telephone to provide some initial advice and support in managing your symptoms. This call may come from any member of our team. You will be offered a face-to-face assessment from 6-weeks after delivery.
How can I access the service?
Referrals from health care professionals:
Health care professionals who wish to refer a patient into the Perinatal Pelvic Health service can complete the online referral form.
We aim to provide you with the tools to improve symptoms and your own confidence in managing them independently.
If you are pregnant and suffering with pelvic girdle pain (often called SPD), you will be offered a space in our group class as an initial intervention. This class provides you with a wealth of information on pelvic girdle pain and how to manage it at home.
Self-referrals:
We do not offer self-referral for patients to 1-1 clinics at this time, please speak to your GP about being referred.
You can self-refer for the following classes:
- Antenatal Pelvic Health Education: This is a two-session course designed to give you all the tools you need to understand your pelvic health through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. This is available to any pregnant person at any stage of pregnancy.
- Early Postnatal Exercise Class: This is a 6-week course of exercise and education designed to rebuild core strength in the postnatal period and build confidence for return to other activities.
All classes take place in Wirral Health Centres, and we rotate between sites on a 6-weekly basis:
- St Catherine’s Health Centre, Birkenhead
- Victoria Central Health Centre, Wallasey
- Marine Lake Health Centre, West Kirby
All classes and 1-1 appointments are baby-friendly as we understand childcare can be difficult and want to give you the best opportunity to access the service.
If you would like to attend either of these classes, please complete the online form.
If you have any questions please email wchc.pphs@nhs.net