Peri-Natal Care Protocol

child birth preparation class

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy then our Peri-Natal Care Protocol is designed to guide you through this exciting time. Download our care checklist.

Our peri-natal care protocol provides a structured timeline of recommended touchpoints to support women throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond. Each stage is designed to address the unique physical, emotional, and functional needs of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, ensuring optimal health and well-being. 

First Trimester: Conception to 12 Weeks 

Initial Antenatal Consultation (1 Hour) 

This comprehensive session includes: 

  • Personalised Assessment: Gathering personal details such as occupation, physical activity habits, stress levels, and social support systems. A full medical, obstetric, gynecological, and surgical history is also taken. 
  • Functional Screening: Evaluating bowel and bladder function, fibre and fluid intake, and conducting a pelvic floor assessment using questionnaires and real-time ultrasound (RTU). 
  • Education and Guidance: 
  • Understanding the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the pelvic floor. 
  • Recognizing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. 
  • Developing a tailored pelvic floor muscle training program. 
  • Recommendations for safe physical activity, including class options and hydrotherapy benefits. 
  • Preparation for childbirth education, including perineal massage and strategies for common pregnancy-related conditions like pelvic girdle pain and low back pain. 
  • Insights on maintaining core strength, TENS for labor pain management, and the importance of antenatal breastfeeding education. 
  • Goal Setting: Collaboratively creating individualised pregnancy goals and addressing specific concerns. 
  • Commence Antenatal Hydrotherapy Classes 

 

Second Trimester 

First Follow-Up Appointment (20-25 Weeks) 

  • Pelvic Floor Examination: Internal assessment of pelvic floor muscles for activation, strength, tone, endurance, and coordination (optional Real Time Ultrasound (RTU) alternative available). 
  • Management Plan: Address pre-existing dysfunctions such as incontinence or prolapse and develop strategies for ongoing pregnancy care. 
  • Musculoskeletal Health: Address posture, pain, and other biomechanical changes, with guidance on back care and manual handling. 
  • Recommended: Attend Prep for Childbirth Class: Preparing for delivery and postpartum recovery. Practical skills with strong focus on support person role.  

Second Follow-Up Appointment (25-34 Weeks) 

  • Maternal Wellbeing: Mental health screening, musculoskeletal care, and pelvic floor check-in via RTU. 
  • Activity Review: Evaluate and modify physical activity routines, and encourage regular pregnancy massage. 

 

Third Trimester 

Third Follow-Up Appointment (34 Weeks) 

  • Delivery Preparation: 
  • Practical perineal massage session for vaginal delivery (partners welcome). 
  • Post-surgical recovery education for C-section, including optimisation strategies. 

Fourth Follow-Up Appointment (34 Weeks and Beyond) 

  • Final Reviews: Comprehensive pelvic floor and abdominal muscle assessments. 
  • Labour Strategies: Guidance on labor positions, breathing techniques, and TENS hire at ~37 weeks. 
  • Ongoing Care: Continued musculoskeletal support as needed. 
  • Recommended: Breastfeeding Education consult with Lactation Consultant 

 

Postnatal Recovery 

Acute Care: Early Days/Weeks Post-Delivery 

  • Early perineal care including management advice/education, and therapeutic ultrasound for episiotomy and tears 
  • Lactation Support: 
  • Lactation Consultant Review 
  • Laser therapy for nipple trauma 
  • Therapeutic ultrasound for blocked ducts, mastitis 

2 Weeks Post-Delivery (Telehealth, 30 Minutes) 

  • Discuss delivery details, maternal well-being, and any concerns, including bowel, bladder, and prolapse symptoms. 
  • Guidance on low-impact physical activity and lactation consultant referral (if needed). 

6 Weeks Post-Delivery (Comprehensive 1 Hour Check) 

  • Assessments: Internal or RTU pelvic floor evaluation, abdominal assessment. 
  • Rehabilitation Plan: Tailored recovery strategies for pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and musculoskeletal concerns. 
  • Exercise Guidance: Progression to low-impact activities, including postnatal classes (aqua, pilates, gym circuit). 

Follow-Up at 8, 10, and 12 Weeks Post-Delivery 

  • Supported pelvic floor and abdominal muscle training. 
  • Gradual progression of exercise routines. 

3 Months Post-Delivery and Beyond 

  • Strength and Load Assessment: Evaluate lower limb strength and introduce higher impact exercises as appropriate. 
  • Exercise Progression: Continued advancement in alignment with recovery goals and readiness. 

This protocol is designed to empower women with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive throughout the peri-natal period and beyond. 

Click HERE to book your initial consult and begin your individual peri-natal care journey.

Here is our PERINATAL CARE CHECKLIST.