A new perinatal pelvic health service for women and birthing people has launched in North Central London – covering Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.
A dedicated team of specialist pelvic health physiotherapists and midwives is offering a pelvic health care service to support women and birthing people in the management and prevention of pelvic health problems around pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth.
The service is hosted by The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and delivered in hospitals and community health hubs across North Central London.
What is the perinatal pelvic health service?
Perinatal pelvic health services have been established across the country to improve the prevention, identification and time to access treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms during pregnancy and the childbearing year. Pelvic floor dysfunction includes symptoms of bladder and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal and sexual health concerns such as dyspareunia (painful sex).
Why is the service needed?
Research shows that up to one in three women experience urinary incontinence in the first year after giving birth, and up to three quarters of these women continue to experience this in the following 12 years after giving birth. Additionally, one in 10 women experience faecal incontinence and one in 12 women will have a pelvic organ prolapse.
The taboo surrounding pelvic floor dysfunction is a major barrier to women receiving treatment. It is widely reported that pelvic floor dysfunction is significantly under-reported due to embarrassment, shame, or for women who have had multiple children to believe that dysfunction is ‘normal’.
How to access the service
Women and birthing people experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be referred to the perinatal pelvic health service by their midwife, doctor, or other healthcare professional. Alternatively, you can self-refer by completing an online referral form.
Resources
- pelvic health information leaflet
- top tips for good pelvic health
- pelvic floor exercises
- pelvic health after baby loss
- perineal tears during childbirth – what you need to know during pregnancy
- bladder irritants
More information
For more information about the North Central London Perinatal Pelvic Health Service please visit The Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust website.