Increasing Age Is a Risk Factor for Decreased Postpartum Pelvic Floor Strength.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pelvic Floor Health
• Postpartum Recovery

Background:

• Pelvic floor strength (PFS) can decrease after childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery (VD).
• Identifying factors associated with decreased PFS is crucial for effective postpartum care and interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine factors associated with decreased pelvic floor strength (PFS) after the first vaginal delivery (VD).
• To investigate the impact of maternal age on postpartum pelvic floor function.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a prospective study involving primiparous women.
• Pelvic floor strength (PFS) measured using a perineometer in the third trimester and postpartum (4 weeks to 6 months).
• Three-dimensional ultrasound and examination were also performed.

Main Results:

• Decreased PFS was more frequent in women who had a vaginal delivery (68%) compared to cesarean delivery (42%).
• Women aged 25-29 years (RR=2.80) and 30+ years (RR=2.53) were over 2.5 times more likely to have decreased postpartum PFS compared to those younger than 25.
• Maternal age emerged as a significant factor associated with reduced postpartum pelvic floor strength.

Conclusions:

• Women aged 25 years and older are at a significantly higher risk for decreased pelvic floor strength postpartum.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering maternal age in assessing and managing postpartum pelvic floor health.