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The effects of childbirth on the pelvic-floor

C Dannecker1, C Anthuber

  • 1University Hospital München, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Germany. christian.dannecker@gyn.med.uni-muenchen.de

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|August 3, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Vaginal delivery can lead to pelvic floor damage, including incontinence and prolapse. This review covers risks and offers strategies to minimize childbirth-related pelvic floor injury.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders

Background:

  • Childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery, poses risks to pelvic floor integrity.
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth can manifest as anal incontinence, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology, incidence, and risk factors associated with pelvic floor sequelae of childbirth.
  • To provide recommendations for mitigating the risk of pelvic floor damage during vaginal delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pelvic floor damage from vaginal delivery.
  • Analysis of pathophysiology, incidence, and risk factors.
  • Synthesis of recommendations for risk reduction.

Main Results:

  • Vaginal delivery is a significant risk factor for pelvic floor damage.
  • Common sequelae include anal and urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Specific risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the risks and mechanisms of pelvic floor damage is crucial.
  • Implementing preventative strategies can reduce the incidence and severity of childbirth-related pelvic floor disorders.

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