Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Fecal incontinence in pregnancy and post partum
Cynthia Brincat1, Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, Divya Patel
1Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. cbrincat@med.umich.edu
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) during pregnancy and post partum, and to determine any associations with demographic and birth variables.
Methods:
Secondary analysis of 240 primiparous women conducted during pregnancy and post partum. Women were asked at various time points if they had lost control over their stool or bowel movements, and if they were practicing Kegel exercises. Associations of bowel symptoms with demographic and birth data were evaluated.
Results:
Most participants were white (87%), with a median age of 30 years (range, 18-42 years). Women who reported fecal incontinence at 1 year were more educated than those who did not report it. No other demographic or birth data were associated with fecal incontinence at 1 year.
Conclusions:
Prevalence of FI during pregnancy and post partum is low and not linked to low-risk birth. Furthermore, when FI occurs it is often sporadic. This should be reassuring to patients and providers alike.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Feces Formation and Defecation
The mass peristalsis then pushes the feces into the rectum, which stretches the rectal walls to activate...
