Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that women receive consistent, evidence-based advice on (a) physical activity, (b) physical recovery and (c) returning safely to exercise as part of postnatal care.

Perinatal Pelvic Health Services (PPHS) support the prevention, identification, and treatment of pelvic health problems during pregnancy and for at least one year after birth. As of September 2026, PPHS are available in 34 of 36 integrated care board areas, with NHS England working with the remaining areas to achieve full national coverage. NHS England’s service specification sets standards for care, including providing women with information on pelvic health, potential problems, and how to access support during pregnancy and after birth. It also requires specialist-led training for maternity, primary care, and other relevant professionals.

NHS England’s postnatal toolkit promotes early identification and referral for women who need additional support, including access to specialist pelvic health services. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines recommend that postnatal women undertake regular physical activity and begin pelvic floor exercises when able, while the routine six to eight week postnatal general practice check provides an opportunity to discuss recovery, pelvic health, and mental health, with referral to specialist services where appropriate. Through the Women’s Health Strategy for England, the Government is also supporting integrated models of care that bring together maternity, gynaecology, primary care, pelvic health, health visiting, and perinatal mental health services to improve long-term outcomes for women.