Recovery of pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance 6 and 12 months postpartum in primiparous women-a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and hypothesis

To date there has been scant knowledge on the natural recovery of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) after childbirth. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether PFM variables at 6 and 12 months postpartum had returned to mid-pregnancy levels and assess risk factors for reduced recovery at 12 months postpartum.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study following 235 nulliparous pregnant women from mid-pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength and endurance were assessed by manometry at 22 weeks, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression was used to address factors influencing PFM variables beyond birth mode.

Results

Cesarean section was protective for change in PFM variables.

SUBMITTER: Bo K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9666345 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature