Pelvic floor dysfunction in primiparous women up to 6 months after delivery: cohort study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze pelvic floor muscular strength (PFMS), urinary (UI) and anal (AI) incontinence and dyspareunia in primiparous women up to 6 months after normal or cesarean delivery. Methods: this is a prospective cohort with 169 women (128 normal births, 41 cesarean sections), followed between 50-70 and 170-190 days postpartum, when PFMS was measured using perineometry, and UI and AI and dyspareunia, through interview. Results: PFMS, UI and dyspareunia were similar between types of delivery. The difference was significant only for the time elapsed, with improvement in the studied period (2 and 6 months postpartum). Regarding AI, there was a significant difference between 2 and 6 months postpartum, with an interaction between type of delivery and time (p=0.022). Conclusion: the type of delivery did not show any influence on pelvic floor dysfunctions, except for AI. For all outcomes, there was an improvement in the period studied.

Keywords

• After Childbirth Period
• Pelvic Floor
• Muscle Strength
• Urinary Incontinence
• Dyspareunia