Coordinating Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Care Across the Perinatal Period

Perineal injury during childbirth can contribute to maternal morbidity through pain, impaired bowel control, and limitations in activities of daily living. Nurses can help patients access pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. In this column, I examine evidence on pelvic floor interventions for birth preparation and rehabilitation after perineal injury. I describe opportunities for nurses to support pelvic floor care through patient education, assessment of barriers to care, and care coordination with physical therapists and obstetric clinicians. I also discuss interdisciplinary care models that nurses can adapt to support continuity of pelvic floor care across the perinatal period.