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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Genito-Pelvic Pain; Pregnancy; Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise
• Interventions: Behavioral: Pelvic floor muscle exercises

• Registration Number: NCT05343520
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-06-01
• Primary Completion: 2019-06-01
• Study Completion: 2019-12-30
• Study First Submitted: 2022-03-17
• Status Verified: 2022-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-04-20
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-04-20
• Study First Posted: 2022-04-25
• Last Update Posted: 2022-04-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Experimental Group	Pelvic floor muscle exercises	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.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
When the sample size was calculated using the G*Power Program with 95% power, 0.05 margin of error and 0.87 effect level, it was determined that at least 30 pregnant women should be recruited for each of the experimental and control groups.	6th postpartum week	Labour and Postpartum Information Form, A question form covering the 15 questions about the labour and postpartum problems.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gulcin Bozkurt; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey