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New Baby

Pelvic Health After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth cause a lot of physical and emotional changes. You may have been able to maintain or improve your fitness during pregnancy or it may have been more difficult for you. You may have had a straightforward birth and recovered quickly, or it may have been more complicated and taken longer.

After your baby is born it will take some time for your body to recover. It is important not to put pressure on yourself. Whatever your birth experience, getting to know your new baby and resting when you can is important.

When you feel ready, beginning very gentle exercise at your own pace is good for physical and mental health. 

Most women can gradually increase their exercise and build up their fitness over time, getting stronger and helping to prevent health problems in the future.

Essential Advice & Exercises Afterbirth


Recovery Advice After Birth

Pelvic Floor Self Assessment (ePAQ)

In Norfolk and Waveney every birthing person will be asked to complete a pelvic floor self-assessment questionnaire called ePAQ pelvic floor.

Why?

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.

The questionnaire will help screen for any problems and help get you any support you need.

When?

You will be invited to complete your ePAQ once during pregnancy, and once after you have birthed your baby.

  • During pregnancy - following your dating scan (10-14 weeks) to find out if you already have any symptoms or concerns.
  • After birth - 4-6 months after you have birthed your baby to screen for any issues that may have developed following your delivery.

Find out more about your pelvic floor self assessment

If you are experiencing symptoms, or need help practising pelvic floor exercises correctly contact your pelvic health professional who can help.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a term for a group of related conditions caused by the pelvic floor not working correctly. 

Click the titles below for more information on PFD conditions and the treatments available if you need help.

Translation

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شاهد هذا الفيديو بالعربية
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We Need Your Views! 

The Norfolk and Waveney Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (LMNS) are working to improve the pelvic health care you receive from the NHS during and after pregnancy. 

To ensure that the care we offer meets your needs, we would like to hear about your experiences and suggestions for improvement. The results of this survey will be used to understand what we are doing right and how we can improve. 

The information will only be shared with others in a way that would not identify you. 

Start the survey


Who can Help?

In Norfolk and Waveney we have launched a pelvic health project to provide a pelvic floor health care system for everyone who is having a baby. You will be provided with the following to support your pregnancy and birthing journey.

  • Everyone will be given information about pelvic floor exercises including access to the NHS endorsed ‘Squeezy App’, which will support them with pelvic floor exercises.
  • Everyone will be invited to complete a pelvic floor self-assessment questionnaire in pregnancy and after birthing their baby. From this we can then provide targeted support and access to services to those who have symptoms or are at risk of problems.

For a referral to physiotherapy services please follow the routes below:

James Paget Hospital - referral via your GP, Midwife or Consultant.

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital - self-referral via 24 hour answer phone on 01603 287 130. Please leave your name, hospital number, contact number and a brief description of the problem. You will receive a call back to speak about the problem. This service is for those who are planning to have their baby at NNUH, during pregnancy or up to three months after birth.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital - referral via your GP, Midwife or Consultant.

You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.


Upcoming Pelvic Health Webinars

Our physiotherapists invite you to attend a webinar to discuss urinary dysfunction, how to look after your pelvic health to prevent pelvic floor issues and how to look after yourself the first year after your baby is born.

Lets Talk About Your Pelvic Floor - After Birth Session

03 April 2023 19:30 - 20:30

Find out more

Read More

Personal Experiences with PFD

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Your Pelvic Health Team

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