Pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis recti abdominis: Prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
• Women's Health Research

Background:

• Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition during pregnancy.
• The impact of DRA on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and pelvic health outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare PFM strength, endurance, and vaginal resting pressure (VRP) in women with and without DRA during pregnancy and postpartum.
• To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in these groups.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 300 nulliparous women.
• Vaginal manometry for VRP and PFM assessment; ICIQ-UI-SF and POP-Q for UI and POP.
• DRA diagnosed via palpation at gestational week 21 and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• At gestational week 21, women with DRA showed significantly higher VRP, PFM strength, and endurance.
• No significant differences in PFM variables were observed postpartum.
• UI prevalence did not differ between groups; however, POP was less prevalent in women with DRA at 6 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions:

• DRA is associated with enhanced PFM function during pregnancy, not impaired function.
• Women with DRA do not exhibit increased risk for UI or POP postpartum.
• Findings suggest DRA may not negatively impact pelvic floor function long-term.