Pregnancy and childbirth can put extra stress on your body, especially on the pelvic floor, back, pelvis, and abdominal muscles. This may lead to discomfort, pain, or pelvic floor issues such as bladder leakage and a sense of heaviness. Fortunately, we are here to support you in both preventing and treating these issues. Click here to book an appointment.
Preparation for Birth and Beyond
At Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, we specialise in identifying risk factors during pregnancy to help prevent birth injuries. Our team of experts also provides tailored rehabilitation after childbirth to aid your recovery and prevent future problems.
It’s Never Too Late to Seek Help
Even if you gave birth some time ago, it’s never too late to seek assistance and support from our experienced team.
Pregnancy Warrant of Fitness (WOF)
Our Pregnancy Warrant of Fitness check is recommended around 20 weeks, or earlier if needed. If you haven’t visited us yet, don’t worry—we’ll see people later in pregnancy too.
During this check-up, we focus on:
- Assessing and teaching correct activation of pelvic floor muscles
- Designing a personalised exercise program if your muscles are weak, aiming to build strength and endurance
- Helping with relaxation or release of tight pelvic floor muscles which could slow down the pushing stage of labour
Strong functional, coordinated pelvic floor muscles are more robust and less likely to be damaged during childbirth
Other parts of our Pregnancy WOF
- Guidance on appropriate exercise during pregnancy
- Advice on back care and safe movement techniques
- Treatment for any pelvic, back, wrist or other pain
- Postural guidance and movement advice to prevent tummy separation (abdominal diastasis)
35 Week Check
Around 34-36 weeks, we recommend another session where we cover:
- Perineal massage techniques
- Post-delivery perineal care advice
- Guidance on abdominal and back care following childbirth
- Education on protecting the pelvic floor during the first six weeks postpartum
Click here to book an appointment.
Postnatal Warrant of Fitness (WOF)
Approximately six weeks after childbirth, we suggest a Postnatal Warrant of Fitness check. Of course, if you have any concerns earlier, we’re here to help.
During this check-up, we focus on:
- Assessing pelvic floor muscles for damage, and checking strength
- Checking abdominal muscles for weakness and diastasis recti (tummy gap)
- Evaluating posture, core strength, and flexibility
- Providing advice on returning to exercise and recreational activities
Our goal is to ensure you’re prepared for the physical demands of motherhood without compromising your pelvic floor or experiencing back pain.
Click here to book an appointment.
ACC Injuries
If you’ve had a baby on or after 1st October 2022, and you experienced a perineal tear or other birth injury, you may qualify for ACC funding to assist with treatment costs. Visit here for more details.
Online Appointments
For your convenience, we offer all our advice and education through online appointments if you’re unable to visit us in person or you would prefer a telehealth consultations. Click here for more information.
At Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, we’re committed to supporting your journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your health and well-being are our priorities.