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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Pelvic Floor Knowledge and Urinary Incontinence in Pregnancy: Clinical Trial
Necmettin Yildiz1, Yeşim Akkoç2, Saadet Nur Sena Öztekin1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli.
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Pregnant women show poor knowledge of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and exercises, contributing to urinary incontinence (UI). Education is crucial to improve PFM awareness and prevent UI symptoms during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue during pregnancy.
- Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises are known to help prevent UI symptoms.
- Antepartum awareness of PFM location, function, and exercises may mitigate UI development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pregnant women's awareness of PFMs and PFM exercises.
- To evaluate knowledge, training, and experience with PFM exercises.
- To investigate the correlation between PFM awareness and the incidence of UI.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 522 pregnant women aged 18+.
- Questionnaires assessed PFM awareness, knowledge, training, experience, and UI, POP, and FI.
- PFM knowledge and awareness were compared between women with and without UI.
Main Results:
- 134 participants (25.7%) reported UI, with 70.1% noting onset during pregnancy.
- A significant majority lacked PFM knowledge: 72.6% unaware of location, 73.8% of function, 72.8% of exercises.
- Women without UI were more likely to perform PFM exercises (66.7% vs 37.5%) for longer durations (71.6% vs 40.0%).
Conclusions:
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding PFMs and PFM exercises among pregnant women.
- Educational interventions are essential to enhance understanding of PFM function.
- Targeted programs are needed to instruct pregnant women on correct PFM exercise techniques.
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