Which conditions we assess & treat:
Bladder bowel and pelvic conditions - including stress urinary and urge incontinence, bladder over-activityMusculoskeletal issues developing in pregnancy or following delivery - including:
Pelvic Girdle Pain / pelvic joint and spinal dysfunctionAntenatal
During your hospital stay
Post-natal check-up
Your ward physiotherapy and post-natal check-up may be part of your package if you are self-funding. If you’re under insurance, please contact the insurance company to clarify funding prior to your stay, not all insurance policies will cover physiotherapy.
How to book in? Call our bookings team on 0207 390 6553 (option 1) to book your appointment.
Our dedicated women’s health booking team can assist you with any funding queries or to book in with our physiotherapists as an outpatient. Please call the number above or contact us via our email on [email protected]
ADVICE FOR STAYING FIT IN PREGNANCY
The Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapists professional group have a variety of evidenced-based brochures and up-to-date information to help you through your pregnancy and beyond. The leaflets include advice on postural care, adapting your activities and exercise.
EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY
It is recommended to continue with mild to moderate exercise in your pregnancy, stick to activities you have done before where possible. If you are starting something new begin with 15 minutes and gradually build up the time. It is important to include 150 minutes of activity including strengthening exercises per week, for both you and baby.
Listen to your body and stop if you feel unwell or experience any increased pain, especially in the pelvic joints or lower back. Use the ‘Talk-Test’ when exercising as a guide – you should still be able to talk while exercising if it is at the right level for you. It may be beneficial to find a class which is specific to pregnancy, or with a specialist instructor.
PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES
The pelvic floor muscles are layers of muscles at the base of the pelvis, forming a sling which supports the pelvic organs, as well as your baby. Keeping these muscles strong helps to control the bladder and bowel, and can help with sexual sensation and function.
1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence symptoms at some point in their lives. Seeing a specialist as early as possible can improve quality of life.
How to do pelvic floor exercises? Aim to pull up the back passage, closing the anus and drawing up the muscles underneath. Hold for up to 10 seconds and repeat up to 10 times. Then try up to 10 pull-ups with no hold time, just pull up and relax fully. Keep breathing and don’t tighten your tummy or buttock muscles. It is not recommended to do a stop-start of urine as an exercise; this ‘confuses’ the bladder.
Also try and do the same contraction just before you cough, sneeze or lift objects to prepare the pelvic muscles for action.
Whether you have a vaginal or caesarean section delivery you should try to exercise these muscles several times a day. Aim to get into a good habit; a good reminder is the ‘Squeezy’ phone/tablet App available on Android and Apple (a single cost of £2.99).
PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
You may find at certain times through your pregnancy that you experience occasional aches and pains. These will normally resolve quickly, but if they are lasting and you feel you need to see a physiotherapist please contact us for some advice or to book an appointment. We have experienced, full-time physiotherapists based at the Portland Hospital to offer individual assessments and treatment options to help you stay comfortable and well during your pregnancy.
Please click here – to link through to the Women’s Health Physiotherapy Leaflet.
