Pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Women's Health
• Pelvic Floor Disorders

Background:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) involves weakened pelvic floor support tissues, impacting organ position and function, with long-term consequences for women.
• This study investigates electrophysiological and clinical assessments of pelvic floor function and identifies postpartum PFD risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pelvic floor function in postpartum women using electrophysiology and clinical symptoms.
• To explore risk factors associated with pelvic floor dysfunction one month postpartum.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 845 postpartum women (August 2019 - October 2021).
• Pelvic floor muscle strength evaluated using surface electromyography.
• Clinical symptoms (urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse) diagnosed by gynecologists; sociodemographic, pregnancy, and obstetrical data collected via questionnaires and records.

Main Results:

• Maternal age, parity, immigrant status, and economic income were identified as PFD-related factors.
• Gestational constipation (OR:1.553) and vaginal inflammation (OR:2.311) increased risks of abnormal muscle strength.
• Cesarean delivery was linked to higher abnormal resting muscle strength (OR:2.712) but lower urinary incontinence (UI) (OR:0.302); increased gestational weight gain correlated with higher UI risk (OR:1.030).

Conclusions:

• Interventions targeting gestational weight gain, constipation, and vaginal flora can mitigate PFD risks, alongside managing factors like mode of delivery, age, and parity.
• Educational programs should promote healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy.
• Prompt clinical treatment for vaginal inflammation is crucial to prevent further pelvic floor muscle damage.