Perinatal Pelvic Health Service self-assessment / referral

The Perinatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service (PPHS) accept referrals for the following pelvic health problems during pregnancy and / or up to 18 months following delivery. 

Symptoms may include the following:

• diastasis rectus abdominus (tummy gap) - postnatal
• pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain
• urinary leakage
• faecal leakage
• constipation
• pelvic organ prolapse
• pain associated with sexual activity
• 3rd / 4th degree tears
• perineal wound problems including persistent perineal pain

We have two separate referral forms; an antenatal referral form and a postnatal referral form. 

Antenatal referral form - You will need to fill in this form if you are pregnant and have booked your birth at a hospital within Cheshire and Merseyside or if you have planned a home birth with a hospital overseeing your care within Cheshire and Merseyside. 

Postnatal referral form - You will need to fill in this form if you are not currently pregnant and received your labour care from a hospital within Cheshire and Merseyside in the last 18 months. 

Is there a limit to accessing the service? 

Women and people who have received labour care from a hospital within Cheshire and Merseyside will be able to self-refer at any point throughout their pregnancy.

Please be aware, we are not an emergency service, therefore if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of any of the below, please contact your GP or 111 if out of hours:

• urinary retention - signs of acute urinary retention include a sudden inability to pass urine, usually with some pain or discomfort in your bladder
• urinary tract infection - signs of urinary tract infection including pain or a burning sensation when urinating, urine that looks cloudy, darker or stronger smelling than usual
• wound infection - signs of wound infection or breakdown including an increase in pain, new bleeding or pus-like discharge, or feeling unwell

If you notice blood in your stool or urine (poo or wee), please contact your GP.