Can I attend classes for childbirth preparation?

There are a selection of classes available to women preparing for childbirth and beyond. They are listed below, and are shared between both the Queen's Medical Centre and the City Hospital campuses.

Parent education workshops are held at the City Hospital Campus Maternity Unit. There are three workshops:

• Active birth
• Pain management and alternative birth
• Infant feeding and early parenting

Also provided is a workshop designed for mothers expecting more than one baby.
To book any of these antenatal classes, please go to the following link

Click here for booking form.

Physiotherapy - Women's health

A team of physiotherapists specialising in obstetrics supports the maternity units at both City and Queen's Medical Centre campuses.  See the information below about the services offered, or if you require further information please telephone:-

QMC campus   0115 9249924 Ext 63255 between 8am and 8.30am, Mon- Fri
City Hospital Campus      0115 9691169 Ext 57792 between 9am and 9.30am, Mon- Fri

The physiotherapy services: -

• Antenatal Exercise classes

• Parent Education Workshop - Look after yourself in pregnancy and beyond with the Physio.

• Out patient physiotherapy services

• The physiotherapist on the wards and postnatal care

• Tummy check clinics

• Post natal exercise class
  

Ante natal exercise classes

A gentle exercise class in the gym

Mondays (except bank holidays)
1pm - 2pm
Physiotherapy Department Gym
East Block, A Floor
Queen's Medical Centre campus

You may attend this class if you are booked to give birth to your baby at either City or Queen's Medical Centre.
You may attend from 20 weeks of your pregnancy.
For more information and to book a place please telephone 0115 849 3312. Please bring your maternity record with you.

Parent education Workshop - Look after yourself in pregnancy and beyond with the Physio.

This is a 2-hour session for ladies only and is held at City Hospital campus in the Parent Education room. You may book to attend this workshop if you are booked to give birth to your baby at either City or Queen's Medical Centre.

An ideal time for attending this is between 24 - 34 weeks of your pregnancy.  A women's health physiotherapist runs the workshop.  Advice is given about safe exercise in pregnancy. Exercise and advice is given to promote  continence, look after your back and manage the general aches of pregnancy and return to fitness after birth.

The sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons, Thursday mornings,, some Tuesday evenings or some weekends.

To book - see section on this website: - How to apply for a place on a Parent Education Workshop 

Out patient physiotherapy services

Some women develop problems such as back pain or incontinence during pregnancy. Your Midwife, GP or obstetrician may wish to refer you via the Physio Direct system to physiotherapy services for treatment of these conditions. Both campuses offer a Physio Direct telephone self-referral system where you may speak directly with the physiotherapist for advice. You may be given an individual out patient appointment or advised to attend a group session.

Physio Direct

QMC campus 0115 924 9924 Ext 63255 between 8am and 8.30am, Mon- Fri
City Hospital campus  0115 969 1169 Ext 57792 between 9am and 9.30am, Mon- Fri

The physiotherapist on the wards and postnatal care

If you are admitted to the ward during your pregnancy, you may be seen by the physiotherapist if you have back or pelvic pain.

After the birth of your baby you will be given an advice and exercise leaflet

“Fit for the Future”

It includes safe and effective exercises and some practical advice to aid your recovery and return to fitness.

A physiotherapist attends the maternity wards each morning, Monday to Friday, and may help you with the exercises or see you for any problems that you may have. If you do have any problems the physiotherapist may make a follow up out patient appointment for you.

Tummy check clinics

Pregnancy causes the abdominal, low tummy, muscles to stretch and weaken. For some women the muscles become overstretched and do not recover post natally. If you notice any bulging or gapping of your abdominal muscles whilst doing the exercises in the Fit for Motherhood leaflet, please come to the Tummy check clinic. The physiotherapist will teach you progressive exercises and give advice to strengthen the muscles and prevent back pain.

Tummy Check Clinic QMC campus
1st and 3rd Fridays in the month
2pm
Physiotherapy Department. East Block A Floor

Tummy Check Clinic City Hospital Campus
1st and 3rd Thursday each month
11am
Parent Education room. Maternity Unit

Post natal exercise class

A moderate exercise class in the gym designed for post natal return to fitness.

Thursdays
1pm - 2pm
Physiotherapy Department Gym
East Block, A Floor
Queen's Medical Centre campus

You may attend this class if you gave birth to your baby at either City Hospital or Queen's Medical Centre. You may attend from 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.
For more information and to book a place please telephone 0115 849 3312
Please bring your baby with you, but sorry, not other children.
Please bring a pushchair for baby to lie in and a blanket as the gym is cool.
Please wear trainers and comfortable clothing.

Further Information

Minor ailments of pregnancy