Publish date: 23 September 2025
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new service to help support pelvic floor health in and around pregnancy.
Patients who are pregnant or had a baby up to 12 months ago can self-refer to the new Perinatal Pelvic Health Service by filling in an online form, or by speaking to a midwife, health visitor, GP or consultant.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the womb, bladder and bowel. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles have to work extra hard to support the weight of the baby. During labour, these muscles can become stretched, resulting in damage or weakness.
The Perinatal Pelvic Health Service can address common pregnancy and birth-related pelvic floor issues such as:
- lower back, hip, pelvic and leg pain
- rectus abdominis diastasis (abdominal separation)
- pelvic floor muscle weakness
- perineal injuries, including 3rd and 4th degree
- pelvic organ prolapse
- damage to the bladder
- returning to exercise following pregnancy.
Specialist pelvic health physiotherapists work together with the gynaecology, colorectal and urogynaecology teams to support patients to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, manage current symptoms and prevent further problems down the line.
Also on offer are group sessions focusing on techniques for managing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. Anyone who is currently pregnant can sign up to these classes by completing an online form.
Sam Cottrell, Perinatal Pelvic Health Midwife at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Pelvic floor, bladder and bowel symptoms are common during and after pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean they are normal and should be ignored.
“We know that these problems are often sensitive in nature, so we provide a highly confidential and respectful service tailored to each person’s specific symptoms and goals.”
