Having A Baby

ePAQ Pelvic Floor Self Assessment

Completing the self assessment ePAQ pelvic floor questionnaire during and after pregnancy is an important part of your midwifery care. It can be completed in the privacy of your own home.

We ask every birthing person to complete it, to identify issues you may not realise can be helped with the right information and support. We are aware that symptoms related to your bladder, bowel and sexual health can be private and sometimes difficult to discuss with health professionals. However we know they can impact your quality of life.

How to complete your ePAQ questionnaire

You will need a computer, tablet or mobile device with internet access and about 20 minutes of your time.

You will receive an email or letter with a link to the website https://start.epaq.co.uk, and a voucher code (just for you!) to enter on the website, along with your date of birth.

You will then be taken through a series of questions about bladder, bowel, vaginal and sexual health. The questionnaire will help screen for any problems and help get you any support you need.

If you need any help completing your ePAQ, or would like to make a request for a paper version or one in a different language, please contact the relevant trust which has supported you with maternity care:

James Paget Hospital: perinatalpelvichealth@jpaget.nhs.uk

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital: pmhphysio@nnuh.nhs.uk

Queen Elizabeth Hospital: admin.pphs@qehkl.nhs.uk

What happens with my results?

The ePAQ website is securely linked to the NHS computer system, to which your questionnaire will be safely stored as part of your medical record. You will also have instant access to your own pelvic floor questionnaire report.

Your completed questionnaire will be reviewed by the perinatal pelvic health team. If required, the team will advise on any extra support needed. This maybe directing you to available pelvic floor health advice, a referral to a pelvic floor workshop, or a referral to a Pelvic Health Specialist.

Alternative methods for referring for pelvic health support

All pregnant and postnatal women and birthing people (up to 12 months after birth) can self-refer to the Physiotherapy team within the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service (PPHS) if they experience any of the following symptoms:

Leaking of urine (pee) and/ or wind and/ or stool (poo)
Pelvic organ prolapse (bulging or heaviness in the vagina)
Pelvic pain linked to perineal injury or pelvic floor problems
Postpartum sexual pain
Pelvic pain following Caesarean section.

To refer yourself to the Perinatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy services please follow the routes below, depending on where you received maternity care.

Please note that you can also speak to a healthcare professional (midwife, GP or consultant) who can also refer you.

Pelvic Floor symptom support:

All pregnant and postnatal women and birthing people (up to 12 months after birth) can self-refer to the James Paget Physiotherapy team (PPHS) if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Leaking of urine (pee) and/ or wind and/ or stool (poo)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (bulging or heaviness in the vagina)
- Other pelvic floor related problems or perineal trauma issues (i.e. painful sex
- Self-referral via the online electronic referral form: James Paget University Hospital Perinatal Pelvic Health Service
- Self-referral via 24 hour answer phone on 01493 452378
Musculoskeletal symptoms support:

If you have any of the problems below:
- Lower back or pelvic girdle pain
- Separation of the stomach muscles
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
You can refer yourself to the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy services by calling 01493 809977 or online:

Refer yourself
Pelvic & Maternity Health Physio Team:
- Self-referral via the online electronic referral form. To refer yourself, simply visit the NNUH Obstetric Physiotherapy Self Referral Form.
- Self-referral via 24 hour answer phone on 01603 287 130.
This service is available up to 3 months after pregnancy.

Norfolk Community Health & Care Continence Team:
- Self-referral via 24 hour answer phone on 01603 216 021.
This service is available up to 3 months after pregnancy.
- Self-referral via 24-hour answer phone on 01553 613292.
This service is available up to 12 months after pregnancy.
- Health professional referral - speak to your GP, Midwife or Consultant.