Improving Pelvic Health Support for Families in South East London

Advice and Information - 18 March 2026

Healthwatch Greenwich welcomes the ongoing work across South East London to strengthen pelvic health support during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Listening to women and birthing people is helping to shape services that are more responsive, accessible, and effective.

Pelvic health is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of maternity care, affecting many women and birthing people during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. The Improving Perinatal Pelvic Health Care programme, highlighted on the Let’s Talk Health and Care South East London platform, aims to transform support for those experiencing mild to moderate pelvic health symptoms. This work aligns closely with Healthwatch Greenwich’s commitment to ensuring that local voices help shape better, fairer healthcare services across our borough.  

Through extensive engagement across South East London, the programme has gathered insights from women, birthing people, and families about their experiences and the information and support they need. These conversations have directly informed the development of the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service, which began as a pilot in 2022 and is now delivered both locally and nationally. The service has already supported thousands of people, with more than 1,000 attending group rehabilitation sessions in 2025 and nearly 500 taking part in antenatal classes led by pelvic health physiotherapists and midwives.  

The service offers a range of support options, including virtual and face‑to‑face clinics, group therapy, and community-based sessions for those whose pelvic health symptoms persist after birth. Antenatal classes focus on prevention, early recognition of issues, and guidance on how and when to seek help—empowering people with skills and knowledge to manage their pelvic health confidently.  

Healthwatch Greenwich strongly supports the emphasis on co‑design and accessibility, particularly the programme’s efforts to reach diverse communities and understand differing experiences across the region. By continuing to listen to local people, South East London’s NHS partners are helping to break the stigma around pelvic health and ensure that everyone receives timely, compassionate, and appropriate care.  

We encourage Greenwich residents who have used maternity services since June 2022 to complete the pelvic health surveys and share their experiences. Your feedback is essential in helping shape more inclusive and supportive pelvic health care for all. 

Get support Here or Call HWG. 

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