The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Applied During Pregnancy on Genito-Pelvic Pain Level in Postpartum Period

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise; Genito-Pelvic Pain; Pregnancy

Treatments: Behavioral: Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05343520

13022260-300-76447

Details and patient eligibility

About

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis The goal of the study is figuring out the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises on genito-pelvic pain levels during the postpartum period.

Methods The data of the study, which was carried out in a randomized controlled experimental design, were collected in the antenatal policlinic of a public hospital between June-December 2019. There were 60 pregnant women in the experimental and control groups. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were applied to the pregnant women in the experimental group from the 30th week of gestation to the 6th postpartum week. The control group was not given pelvic floor muscle exercises training and only data collection forms were filled. During the study, the Descriptive Form, Verbal Category Scale, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, and Labour and Postpartum Information Form were applied to the pregnant women in both groups.

Full description

Introduction Some important changes are observed on the pelvic floor musculature during the pregnancy and labour. Stretching occurs in nerve, muscle, fascia and ligament structures in the pelvic floor. This affects the pelvic floor musculature, causing dysfunction and pelvic pain. As a result of the study by Paterson et al. (2009), women stated that genito-pelvic pain started during pregnancy. Women reported that genito-pelvic pain was localized only on both sides of the genital area during pregnancy, and the pain was only in the genital area in the first days of the postpartum period.

It is estimated that genito-pelvic pain occurs in approximately 22% of pregnancy [3]. Acute genito-pelvic postpartum pain is a common problem regardless of vaginal delivery or caesarean section. Acute postpartum genito-pelvic pain rates can be up to 85%. This rate is observed as 92% one day after caesarean and vaginal delivery. Postpartum pain due to acute injuries from birth usually gets better in the first 2-3 months. However, for some new mothers, acute genito-pelvic pain may persist longer after delivery.

Considering that there are over 100 million births per year worldwide, the risk of women experiencing genito-pelvic pain increases accordingly. According to these estimations, at least one million women worldwide may suffer from persistent postpartum genito-pelvic pain for one year or more after giving birth. Acute genito-pelvic pain, on the other hand, negatively affects the recovery of the perineal region in the postpartum period, problems in bladder and bowel functions, and activities of daily living. Pelvic floor muscle exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and increase urethral sphincter pressure. Strengthened pelvic floor muscles provide cushioning support to the pelvic organs and prevent pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence by increasing urethral sphincter pressure (and promoting urethral muscle hypertrophy). They are also involved in sexual function and continence. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are exercises that provide the strength, endurance, contraction, relaxation or development of the pelvic floor muscles. In line with this literature, this study was conducted to determine the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy on the level of genito-pelvic pain after delivery.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria for the study:

• Pregnant patients who want to join the study,
• Are primipara, not diagnosed with risky pregnancy,
• Are 30 weeks of gestation,
• Have no genito-pelvic pain pre-pregnancy,
• Have no vulvar varicosities,
• Are over the age of 18 and have no communication barrier (speaking Turkish)

Exclusion Criteria:

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

30 pregnant women in the experimental group, pelvic floor muscle exercise was explained in detail and an exercise brochure was given in addition. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were taught by the researcher G.Y. In order for the exercise to be continued or applied correctly, the experimental group was interviewed by phone every 2 weeks. Information was given about continuing pelvic floor muscle exercises beginning from the 30th week of pregnancy until the postpartum 6th week.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group were filled only data collection forms