Pelvic Floor Knowledge and Urinary Incontinence in Pregnancy: Clinical Trial

Knowledge of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) location, function, and antepartum exercises may prevent urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the awareness of PFMs and PFM exercises, including knowledge, training, and experience, among pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between PFM awareness and UI.

This cross-sectional study involved 522 pregnant women aged 18 years and older recruited from 8 centers. A questionnaire was used to assess PFM awareness; knowledge of PFM exercises; training and experience with these exercises; and the presence of UI, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and fecal incontinence (FI). PFM knowledge and awareness were compared between pregnant women with and without UI.

Of the 522 participants, 134 (25.7%) reported UI, 10 (1.9%) had POP, and 5 (1%) had FI. Among those with UI, 94 (70.1%) reported that their symptoms began during pregnancy. A significant proportion of women demonstrated limited PFM knowledge: 379 (72.6%) were unaware of PFM location, 385(73.8%) did not know PFM function, and 380 (72.8%) had not heard of PFM exercises. Pregnant women without UI were more likely to report performing PFM exercises than those with UI (66.7% vs 37.5%, respectively, P=0.002). Furthermore, women without UI were more likely to have performed PFM exercises for 8 weeks or more compared with those with UI (71.6% vs 40.0%, respectively, P=0.019).

This study highlights a concerning lack of knowledge and awareness regarding PFMs and PFM exercises among pregnant women. Educational programs are needed to improve understanding of PFM function and to provide instruction on correct PFM exercise techniques.