Physiotherapy advice
Physiotherapists are involved in antenatal classes at the Maternity Hospital.
- In the first session, we will give you advice on keeping your body healthy in pregnancy.
- In the later session, we will give you advice on preparing for labour and baby development.
Inpatient physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will usually visit the postnatal wards from Monday to Friday.
If you had a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum delivery, or third / fourth degree tear, a physiotherapist will aim to see you and give you advice and exercises to help with your recovery.
A physiotherapist may also see you if you have any problems related to your pregnancy or delivery.
If you are a patient on the ward before your baby is due, a doctor or midwife may ask a physiotherapist to check you for chest problems or problems with your back or pelvis.
Baby physiotherapy
While you are an inpatient, a doctor or midwife may ask a physiotherapist to assess your baby. This assessment usually checks for problems with the position of your baby’s feet, neck or arms.
If necessary, the doctor will refer your baby for treatment with a specialist children’s physiotherapist.
Antenatal / postnatal outpatient physiotherapy
You can be referred for physiotherapy at any time during your pregnancy or for up to six weeks after your baby is born.
Physiotherapy can help treat a number of conditions related to pregnancy. These include:
- pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
- back pain (in your lower or upper back)
- rib pain
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- diastasis rectus abdominis
- leaking from your bladder or bowel
- prolapse / painful intercourse
How to access the service
You must get a written referral from one of the following:
- midwife
- GP
- consultant
When you reach the top of the waiting list, you will receive a letter from our central booking service. You must ring the number provided within 15 days of the date on the letter. You will then be able to arrange an appointment time, date and location that suits you.
If you live outside the Belfast Trust area, your referral will normally be sent to the pelvic health specialist team closest to you.
Contact details
- To change an appointment, check if you have been referred to physiotherapy or if you need to contact a physiotherapist, please call the central booking office on 028 9615 8800.