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Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
As a result of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has taken the decision to cancel all face to face classes within Obstetrics or Maternity, at the present time.
As an alternative, we have published the content from these classes on our website with leaflets and videos for patients to access.
Online classes are available in some of our sites. Check your local Hospital below for more information.
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
Enhanced Recovery after Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) class
This class is available for women who are planning to have a caesarean section – Caesarean Section Preparation Class. This class is available at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital every Thursday morning at 11.00am on Microsoft Teams.
Class invitations will be sent to individuals once their caesarean section date has been booked.
Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PGP class)
This class is available for women who are struggling with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital every Wednesday afternoon at 13.00pm on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to join the class, please contact our obstetrics department.
Information about how to manage PGP is available here.
If you would like to speak with the team directly, please contact our obstetrics physiotherapy department.
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PGP class)
This class is available for women who are struggling with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital every Thursday morning at 11.00am on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to join the class, please contact our obstetrics department.
Information about how to manage PGP is available here.
If you would like to speak with the team directly, please contact our obstetrics physiotherapy department.
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital
Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PGP class)
This class is available for women who are struggling with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital every Monday morning at 11.00am and Thursday afternoon at 13.15pm on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to join the class, please contact our obstetrics department.
Information about how to manage PGP is available here.
If you would like to speak with the team directly, please contact our obstetrics physiotherapy department.
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Enhanced Recovery after Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) class
This class is available for women who are planning to have a caesarean section – Caesarean Section Preparation Class. This class is available at the Royal Alexandra Hospital every Friday afternoon at 2.00pm on Microsoft Teams.
Class invitations will be sent to individuals once their caesarean section date has been booked.
Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PGP class)
This class is available for women who are struggling with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Royal Alexandra Hospital on Monday afternoon at 1.00pm on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to join the class, please contact our obstetrics department.
Information about how to manage PGP is available here.
If you would like to speak with the team directly, please contact our obstetrics physiotherapy department.
Vale of Leven Hospital
Unfortunately there is no classes available on this site.
If you would like to speak with the team directly, please contact our obstetrics physiotherapy department.
You can use the following menu to navigate through all our available booklets and videos.
NHSGGC Resources: Booklets
Pregnancy related aches, pains and concerns
Care of your body in Pregnancy Leaflet
Pregnancy Related Lower Back Pain Leaflet
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Leaflet
DeQuervains Tenosynovitis Leaflet
Pelvic Floor concerns
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise and Urinary Incontinence Leaflet
Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) 3rd / 4th degree tears Leaflet
Labour, Birth and Post-Natal period
Positions and Breathing for Labour Leaflet
Post Natal Advice & Exercise Leaflet
NHSGGC Resources: Booklets’ translations
Arabic
تمارين تقوية البيرينيوم والبطن للنساء
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
معلومات حول إصابات العضلة العاصرة الشرجية التوليدية (OASIS)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
ممارسة ما بعد الولادة والمشورة
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Farsi
Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women
Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS)
Post-Natal Exercise and Advice
Care of your body during Pregnancy
French
Exercises de renforcement du périnée et des abdominaux pour les femmes
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
Informations sur les lésions obstétricales du sphincter anal (LOSA)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
Premiers conseils après une césarienne
(Early advice after a Caesarean Section)
Exercices et conseils postnatals
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
Prendre soin de son corps pendant la grossesse
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Hindi
महिलाओं के लिए परिणीति और पेट को मजबूत बनाने के व्यायाम
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
प्रसूति गुदा स्फिंकर चोटों के बारे में जानकारी (ओएसिस)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
गर्भावस्था के दौरान आपके शरीर की देखभाल
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Kurdish Sorani
ڕاهێنانی بەهێزکردنی پێرنیۆم و دووگیانی بۆ ژنان
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
Mandarin/Simplified Chinese
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
(Early advice after a Caesarean Section)
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Polish
Krocze i ćwiczenia wzmacniające brzucha dla kobiet
(Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Exercises for women)
Informacje na temat Urazu poporodowego zwieraczy odbytu
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
Wczesne porady po cesarskim cięciu
(Early advice after a Caesarean Section)
Ćwiczenia i porady dla kobiet po porodzie
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
Dbaj o swoje ciało w czasie ciąży
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Punjabi
ਪ੍ਰਸੂਤੀ ਗੁਦਾ ਸਫਿਨਟਰ ਸੱਟਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ (ਓਏਏਸਿਸ)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
ਗਰਭਅਵਸਥਾ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਲ
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Romanian
Sfaturi timpurii pentru Operatia de cezariană
(Early advice after a Caesarean Section)
Informații despre Traumatisme obstetricale ale sfincterului anal (OASIS)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
Sfaturi și exerciții postnatale
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
Îngrijirea corpului în timpul sarcinii
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
Spanish
Recomendaciones tras una cesarea
(Early Advice after a Caesarean Section)
Información y recomendaciones sobre ejercision posparto
(Post-Natal Exercise And Advice)
Ukranian
Післяпологові вправи та поради
(Post-Natal Exercise And Advice)
Urdu
زچگی کے گدا سفنکٹر چوٹوں کے بارے میں معلومات (او آئی ایس ای ایس)
(Information about Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS))
(Post-Natal Exercise and Advice)
حمل کے دوران اپنے جسم کی دیکھ بھال
(Care of your body during Pregnancy)
پیڑو کے اعضاء کے پرولیپس کے بارے میں فزیوتھراپی کی معلومات
(Physiotherapy information about Pelvic Organ Prolapse)
NHSGGC Resources: Videos
Care of your body in Pregnancy – Managing Aches & Pains Video (6 min)
Circulation Changes in Pregnancy – Managing Aches & Pains Video (2 min)
Pelvic Floor, Deep Abdominal & Pelvic Tilting Video (4 min)
Positions for Labour & Breathing Video (4 min)
Relaxation for Labour Video (4 min)
Post Natal Exercise Video (3 min)
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM) Video (3 min)
Relaxation Video (4 min)
Follow the exercises below to help reduce or prevent aches and pains during pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises/Kegels Exercises
Please use the Pelvic Floor, Deep Abdominal and Pelvic Tilting Video and the following patient information leaflet for advice regarding pelvic floor muscles.
For further advice on pelvic floor exercises please refer to:
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Information Leaflet: https://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-women
SqueezyApp for Information Leaflets and Videos on Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: https://www.squeezyapp.com
Please click on on the following link for further advice on Bladder, Bowel and Pelvic Floor Concerns
Deep Abdominals and Pelvic Tilt Exercises
Please use the Pelvic Floor, Deep Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Video and the following patient information leaflet for deep abdominal exercises and pelvic tilting exercises (Pages five and six).
Exercises for Pregnancy and for the Post Natal Period
During pregnancy, there are more exercises that you could practice safely. These exercises can be found here. However, always refer to your Obstetrics Physiotherapist for advice and guidance for an individualized programme.
Use the sections below to find more information about pregnancy care, labour and birth and post natal care.
For more advice or information, please check the obstetrics physiotherapy page for contact details on how to contact the department.
Pregnancy Care
Use the links below for information on how to care for your body during pregnancy:
Care of your body in Pregnancy – Managing Aches and Pains Video
Circulation Changes in Pregnancy Video
Pelvic Floor, Deep Abdominal and Pelvic Tilting Exercise Video
Care of your body in Pregnancy – Advice and Exercise Leaflet
External Resources
Fit for Pregnancy Information Leaflet: https://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/fit-pregnancy
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Working from Home – Advice and Exercises: https://www.csp.org.uk/publications/do-you-sit-desk-all-day-leaflets
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
Labour and Birth
Use the links below for information on labour and birth:
Positions for Labour and Breathing Video
Positions and Breathing for Labour Leaflet
Elective Caesarean Birth – Patient Journey Video
Physiotherapy Advice for After your Caesarean Delivery Video
External Resources
Information about pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenthood – Ready Steady Baby!
Information about pain relief options – Labour Pains UK
Relaxation for Labour Demo Video – BabyCentre UK
Breathing for Labour Video – BabyCentre UK
Positions for Labour Video – BabyCentre UK
Massage of Labour Video – New Life Classes Ltd
Relaxation Information Leaflet: https://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/mitchell-method-simple-relaxation
Fit for Birth Information Leaflet: https://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/fit-birth
Reproduced with permission of LabourPains.com, NHS inform – Ready Steady Baby!, BabyCentre, New Life Classes and Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk)
If you are having a Caesarean section, visit our classes section for information about our Enhanced Recovery for Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) class.
Post Natal Care
Use the links below for information about post natal care:
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM) Video
Post Natal Advice and Exercise Leaflet
Physiotherapy Advice after Caesarean Section Video
We’re a team of highly skilled physiotherapists who specialise in the assessment and treatment of people during and after pregnancy.
We provide ante natal and post natal appointments for:
- Muscle and joint issues such as: Low back pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM), Coccydynia (tailbone pain), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervains Synovitis (thumb pain).
- Bladder, bowel and pelvic floor issues such as difficulty controlling or emptying the bladder or bowel, prolapse symptoms and pelvic pain.
We also provide the following classes*
- Ante natal classes
- Post natal rehab classes
- Enhanced Recovery after Obstetrics Surgery in Scotland (EROSS)/caesarean section classes
- Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PGP class)
* Only EROSS and PGP classes are available online in some of our sites.
How to Access the Service
There’re several ways you can access the Obstetrics Physiotherapy service. You can contact the Obstetrics Physiotherapy service by directly phoning your Obstetrics Physiotherapy Department or by posting a self referral form to your Obstetrics Physiotherapy Department.
Contact Details
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level C
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Larkfield Road
Greenock PA16 0XN
Call: 01475 504 373
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level 2
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow G31 2ER
Call: 0141 201 3432
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Room 3, 1st Floor Admin Corridor
Maternity Unit
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow G51 4TF
Call: 0141 201 2324
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
Maternity Unit
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Corsebar Road
Paisley PA2 9PN
Call: 0141 314 6765
Vale of Leven Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Vale of Leven Hospital
Main Street
Alexandria G83 0UA
Call: 01389 817 531
Further Information
Comments, Suggestions and Complaints
Or contact us via phone: 0141 201 4500 or email: complaints@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
Add text
On this page you will find useful information to help further manage your condition and/or your overall health.
If you have attended our Pelvic Floor or Obstetrics Physiotherapy service, your Physiotherapist will be able to direct you to the most important information and advice for you as an individual.
COVID-19
Understanding Pain
Other Physiotherapy Pathways
Physical Activity
Coping with Stress, Anxiety or Depression
Sleep, Alcohol, Smoking, Weight Management
Gender-Based Violence & Human Trafficking
You can use the following sections to find advice and exercises to help you manage different pregnancy related aches and pains.
Inside each section, you fill find instructions on how to contact the physiotherapy department if required.
For any general questions, please visit the obstetrics physiotherapy site for all the contact details.
Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain is pain experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around pubic bone, groin, buttocks, hips and/or lower back.
Use the links below for advice on Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP):
- Leaflet about Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
- Leaflet about how to care for your body during pregnancy
- Video about how to manage aches and pains during pregnancy
- Video with relevant exercises (Pelvic floor, pelvic tilting and deep abdominal exercise)
External Resources
PGP Leaflet: https://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/pregnancy-related-pelvic-girdle-pain-mothers-be-and-new-mothers
Working from Home – Advice and Exercises: https://www.csp.org.uk/publications/do-you-sit-desk-all-day-leaflets
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Getting in touch
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
You can request to attend one of our online Pelvic Girdle Pain classes. See more information here.
Pregnancy Related Low Back Pain
Pregnancy related Low Back Pain is pain experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around the bottom of your back. If you have pain in other areas around your back, this information will also be useful.
Use the links below for advice on low back pain during pregnancy or after having a baby:
- Leaflet about pregnancy related lower back pain
- Leaflet about how to care for your body during pregnancy
- Video about how to manage aches and pains during pregnancy
- Video with relevant exercises (Pelvic floor, pelvic tilting and deep abdominal exercise)
External Resources
- Working from Home – Advice and Exercises
- Reproduced with permission of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
- NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus is the normal widening of your tummy muscles during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby. After having your baby, this widening can take up to a year to recover, however, sometimes it can take longer and you may require a specialist physiotherapist to review them for you.
Use the links below for advice on Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles or DRAM.
- Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM) Video
- DRAM Leaflet (specifically pages 6 to 9)
- Pilates Exercise Leaflet
External Resources
- Fit for Future Leaflet
- Pilates Leaflet
- Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if you have any further concerns with your abdominal muscles or are interested in starting an exercise program. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
Bladder, Bowel and Pelvic Floor Concerns
Use the links below for advice on bladder, bowel and/or pelvic floor concerns:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise and Urinary Incontinence Leaflet
- Overactive Bladder Leaflet
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse Leaflet
- Emptying your Bowels Leaflet
- Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) 3rd / 4th degree tears Leaflet
Please use the following Relaxation Video to use alongside pelvic floor relaxation.
External Resources
Continence Information Leaflet
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Information Leaflet
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video
SqueezyApp for Information Leaflets and Videos on Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and SqueezyApp.com
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department throughout pregnancy and up to twelve weeks post natal.
Coccydynia
Coccydynia or tailbone pain is pain experienced on the sitting bone, specially when sitting. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.
Use the links below for advice about coccydynia or tailbone pain:
- Coccydynia Leaflet
- Care of your Body in Pregnancy Leaflet
- Care of your Body in Pregnancy – Managing Aches & Pains Video
External Resources
Working from Home – Advice and Exercises
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pain, numbness, pins and needles and tingling of the fingers and hand(s). There may be also swelling of the hands and you might feel your hands are clumsy, weak and tire easily. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.
Use the links below for advice on how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Leaflets
- Care of your Body in Pregnancy Leaflets
- Circulation Changes in Pregnancy – Managing Aches & Pains Video
- Wrist Splint Fitting Instructions
Wrist Splint Size Guide
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
DeQuervains Synovitis
DeQuervains Synovitis is pain on the base of the thumb, swelling and reduced movement. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.
Use the links below for advice on how to manage DeQuervains Synovitis:
Thumb Spica Size Guide
Please contact your obstetrics physiotherapy department if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with the above advice and exercises. You can contact the department during pregnancy and up to six weeks after giving birth.
We’re a team of highly skilled physiotherapists who specialise in pelvic floor dysfunction.
In this section you’ll find how can you can access the service and also the different locations where the service is available.
Appointments are available for people presenting with any of the following pelvic floor dysfunctions:
- Bladder issues
- Bowel issues
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Before and after gynaecology surgery
- Before and after prostate surgery
How to Access the Service
Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy service requires a referral letter from either your GP or from another hospital consultant.
Contact Details
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level C
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Larkfield Road
Greenock PA16 0XN
Call: 01475 504 373
New Stobhill Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
The New Stobhill Hospital
Balornock Road
Glasgow G21 3UW
Call: 0141 355 1642
New Victoria Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
New Victoria Hospital
Grange Road
Glasgow G42 9LF
Call: 0141 347 8685
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level 2
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow G31 2ER
Call: 0141 201 3432
At present we can only accept referrals from up to 12 weeks post-natal patients who have had their deliveries at this hospital.
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Room 3, 1st Floor Admin Corridor
Maternity Unit
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow G51 4TF
Call: 0141 201 2324
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
Maternity Unit
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Corsebar Road
Paisley PA2 9PN
Call: 0141 314 6765
Vale of Leven Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Vale of Leven Hospital
Main Street
Alexandria G83 0UA
Call: 01389 817 531