Prenatal Exercise Decreases Urinary Incontinence in Late Pregnancy and 3 Months Postpartum: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Background:

• Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue affecting pregnant women.
• Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a known intervention for UI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program incorporating PFMT throughout pregnancy on UI.
• To evaluate the program's impact on maternal and newborn outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 356 pregnant women.
• Participants were divided into an exercise group (EG, n=172) and a control group (CG, n=184).
• The EG followed a supervised exercise program (3 sessions/week) including PFMT from 8-10 weeks to 38-40 weeks of gestation.

Main Results:

• Lower UI prevalence was observed in the EG during late pregnancy (P=0.001) and at 3 months postpartum (P=0.03).
• A significant difference in birth weight was noted between groups (P=0.04).
• No other significant differences in maternal or newborn outcomes were found.

Conclusions:

• Supervised exercise programs during pregnancy, with PFMT, are effective in reducing UI.
• The intervention shows benefits for UI in late pregnancy and postpartum periods.
• The program also positively influenced birth weight without adverse effects on other outcomes.