Supporting Maternal Birth Injuries: New ACC Coverage & the Role of Pelvic Health Physio
Childbirth is a remarkable and transformative experience for women. But too often maternal birth injuries are not addressed & leave mothers with lifelong pelvic health issues. We want you to recognise the importance of early intervention and how to access support for these injuries. Pelvic Health Physio plays a vital role in assessing, treating, and providing support for maternal birth injuries. New Zealand has recently brought some support to women, with ACC expanding its personal injury coverage to include specific childbirth-related injuries from October 1st, 2022.
ACC Coverage for Maternal Birth Injuries:
ACC's new coverage encompasses various injuries that occur during labour or delivery. The covered injuries include anterior wall prolapse, posterior wall prolapse, uterine prolapse, coccyx fracture or dislocation, levator avulsion, obstetric anal sphincter injury, tears to the perineum, labia, vagina, vulva, clitoris, cervix, rectum, anus, or urethra, obstetric fistula, obstetric hematoma of the pelvis, pubic ramus fracture, pudendal neuropathy, ruptured uterus during labour, and symphysis pubis capsule or ligament tear.
Sound confusing as to what is covered? You’re not alone.
How we can help:
At Physio Pilates, our certified Pelvic Health Physio is equipped to treat all the listed injuries covered by ACC, and all other injuries privately. Some of these injuries can be registered by a Pelvic Health Physio, but medical providers such as GPs, LMO or specialists are responsible for lodging the claim for others. What we would suggest is that you contact our Clinic to decipher whether you need to see a medical provider to register your claim, or whether it’s an injury the Physio can register in your assessment with us. We’re only too happy to help you navigate the new ACC protocols with you.
ACC's support may also extend to specialist treatment, support at home, or assistance with related costs. Recognizing the importance of holistic healing, ACC is also offering traditional rongoā Māori healing services as a rehabilitation option, including mirimiri (bodywork), whitiwhiti korero (support and advice), and karakia (prayer).
It's important to note that ACC Maternal Birth Injury coverage does not apply to injuries occurring before October 1st, 2022. & episiotomies, c-section, pregnancy-related injuries or illnesses do not fall under the ACC criteria. But if you are experiencing pain, discomfort and pelvic dysfunction we strongly advise you to seek help privately.
We want to break the taboo around maternal birth injuries and encouraging women to seek treatment. By promoting conversation and spreading awareness, women can recognize that these injuries, although common, are not normal and are entirely treatable. The more we share this message that effective help is available, the better it will be for women.
Maternal birth injuries can have long-lasting effects on pelvic function, but early treatment and support are crucial for a faster recovery and reducing the impact of related symptoms for future life.