450 women cared for by North-East perinatal pelvic health

The perinatal pelvic health service (PPHS), based in north-east England, supports women with pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and up to 12 months postnatally.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause urinary and anal incontinence, which affects up to two thirds and one quarter of pregnant women, respectively.

Kelly Nixon, perinatal pelvic health specialist midwife, said: “By providing timely, specialist care, our service seeks to reduce the number of women living with pelvic floor problems after childbirth and later in life.

“These symptoms are common but not normal and many women do not seek help.

“Our service is designed to change that.

“We are open, honest and frank with our patients as we work to resolve their pelvic floor issues.”

The PPHS was launched in June 2025 at University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool.

It aims to prevent, identify, and treat mild-to-moderate pelvic floor dysfunction through early intervention.

The service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including specialist midwives, a physiotherapist, and a consultant urogynaecologist.

Patients can access support through weekly telephone assessments, face-to-face clinics, and consultant-led reviews where needed.

Women are referred via their community midwife, GP, or other healthcare professionals.

The team is also exploring the option of self-referral in the future.

PPHS staff hold monthly meetings with senior midwifery and gynaecology leadership to review and adapt the service based on feedback and emerging needs.

Natasha McManus, senior pelvic health physiotherapist, praised the collaborative effort behind the project.

She said: “We’ve worked hand-in-hand with our maternity colleagues to develop the service.

“We’re bringing our specialised pelvic physiotherapy skills to the table and want to reassure women that all the support they need is available.

“Pelvic floor problems are common, treatable and not something women have to live with.”

The service is funded by the North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System.

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Hannah Matthews, head of midwifery, highlighted the contribution of midwifery leadership.

She said: “The success of the perinatal pelvic health service shows what midwives can do.

“Midwives are clinical specialists and leaders in their own right.

“Working with a team of experts across a range of clinical subjects has resulted in the team developing an incredible new service.”