Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is used to describe conditions that are caused by the pelvic floor muscles not working as they should.
Symptoms can include:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking of wee).
- Overactive bladder (urgency to wee more than seven times a day).
- Pelvic organ prolapse (one or more of the pelvic organs start to come down into the vagina).
- Anal incontinence (leaking of poo or wind).
- Dyspareunia (pain or discomfort during sex).
We prefer to say symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be common but they do not have to be your new normal and it should not be accepted that it’s a normal part of pregnancy and giving birth. Symptoms can occur but should only last for a short time and should be mild.
If you are currently pregnant and are struggling with any of the above symptoms, please click on any of the links below to access our extensive resource library. Here you will find lots of videos, leaflets and external links, to empower you with the knowledge and tools that you need manage your own pelvic health in during pregnancy.
If you have an inpatient stay on the maternity ward after the birth of your baby, you may be visited by a member of the physiotherapy team. They will chat with you about your pelvic health and will ensure you are able to access the appropriate support/treatment if required.
If you have had your baby and are struggling with any of the above symptoms, please discuss with your midwife or health visitor who will refer you to the physiotherapy postnatal service. Upon receipt of your referral we may send you a symptom questionnaire which will help us to direct you to the appropriate support/treatment for your needs.
If you sustained a third or fourth degree tear during the recent birth of your baby and you have NOT been offered a physiotherapy appointment within six weeks of the birth, please urgently contact Therapy Services on 01623 672384 and a member of the physiotherapy team will be in touch as soon as possible
In the meantime, please click on any of the links below to access our extensive resource library. Here you will find lots of videos, leaflets and external links, to help give you the knowledge and tools that you need manage your own pelvic health in during pregnancy, birth and beyond.
If you are experiencing any musculoskeletal problems (such as pelvic girdle pain, back pain, tummy muscle separation, sciatic pain or carpal tunnel syndrome), please speak to your midwife who will be able to refer you for a physiotherapy assessment via your BadgerNet electronic maternity record.
Please also see our Musculoskeletal problems page to access a wide variety of videos, leaflets and other resources to help you to manage any aches and pains you may be experiencing during your pregnancy. There are further details about the support offered by the physiotherapy team in these pages.
