Pelvic floor health
About your pelvic floor, problems with it and what you can do to help yourself. Anyone can be affected by pelvic floor health problems during or after pregnancy.
On this page
About your pelvic floor
You can think about your pelvic floor as being like a hammock made from muscles and ligaments. It should be able to support your internal organs and help control you are going to the toilet. As your bump grows it puts your pelvic floor muscles under increased strain.
During pregnancy, the extra weight puts pressure on your pelvic floor. Delivery can also weaken the pelvic floor. This can lead to health problems such as accidental leakage of wee or poo, difficulties with sex, for example pain or reduced sensation and a bulge or dragging sensation in the vagina.
Symptoms of pelvic floor problems
If you experience any of the following we advise you to seek help. Its familiar and simple treatments will often improve these issues:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking wee)
- Overactive bladder (urgency to go to the toilet often)
- Bulge in the vagina, or a heavy dragging sensation (this could be a prolapse where one or more of the pelvic organs comes down into the vagina)
- Anal incontinence (accidentally pooing yourself or leaking wind)
- Problems with sex, such as pain or reduced sensation
Information that can help you
Evidence shows that starting your pelvic floor exercises as early as possible can reduce leakage later in pregnancy and after birth. It is never too late to start. We have a couple of patient information leaflets that can help you.
Our patient information leaflets
Pelvic floor exercises for women
Our pelvic floor exercise videos
We've created a series of videos that can help you with back and pelvic pain, including an introduction to the Squeezy app.
Perinatal Pelvic Health Classes
New Perinatal classes designed to support antenatal and postnatal (up to 12 months after pregnancy) individuals to learn more about their pelvic floor health.
It can be hard to know what changes are normal or when you should seek further help. You may notice some of the following symptoms:
- vaginal changes or pain
- bulging or heaviness in the vagina
- leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump
- constant need to go to the toilet
- pain when having sex
If so, we can offer further support and advice.
To find and book on to a class near you please contact: 0300 422 3053 or email: ghn-tr.womenshealth.physio@nhs.net
Antenatal pelvic health classes
Wednesday 10 May
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
- 14.00 - 15.30 Newent Holts Health Centre
Wednesday 7 June
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
- 14.00 - 15.30 Newent Holts Health Centre
Wednesday 12 July
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
Postnatal pelvic health classes
Wednesday 24 May
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
- 14.00 - 15.30 Newent Holts Health Centre
Wednesday 21 June
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
- 14.00 - 15.30 Newent Holts Health Centre
Wednesday 26 July
- 9.30 - 11am Lydney River Children and Family Centre
- 11.45 - 13.15 Cinderford Hilltop Children and Family Centre
- 14.00 - 15.30 Newent Holts Health Centre
More classes rolling out across Gloucestershire soon!
To find and book on to a class near you please contact: 0300 422 3053 or email: ghn-tr.womenshealth.physio@nhs.net
Myhealthlondon Pelvic floor videos
Myhealthlondon have produced a series of videos (also available in 6 other languages) with help and advice for during and after pregnancy. From your pelvic floor to your posture, from caring for your bladder to returning to exercise, supporting your body during and after pregnancy is important.
Self refer yourself to our pelvic floor physiotherapy service
Find out how to self-refer to us on our Women’s and Men’s health Physiotherapy page.
Perineal Clinic
The Perineal Clinic is specialised for women who require follow-up for perineal or pelvic floor problems following childbirth.