Objective: The evaluation of the risk and protective factors for pelvic floor trauma in relation to vaginal delivery.
Design: Review.
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Ostrava.
Methodology and results: The aim was to provide a comprehensive survey of studies focused on risk factors for pelvic floor trauma following vaginal delivery; and to constitute the relationship between the risk and protective factors and levator ani injury. To state the prognosis of the pelvic floor injury before a child delivery is difficult and almost impossible, but it has been assumed that an operative vaginal delivery (obstetrical forceps) represents a significant risk factor for avulsion. The change in obstetric practice can prevent the injury and thus to reduce an adverse effect.
Conclusions: Pregnancy and the methods of childbirth are important factors with an impact on pelvic floor injury, potentially contributing to the development of pelvic organ prolapse, and stress and anal incontinence. The recognition of the factors, the proper training of medical staff in the management of labour, and subsequently the proper treatment of perineal tears should prevent pelvic floor injury.