Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study is to assess factors involved in the impairment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function from antepartum to 6 months postpartum. We also investigated whether reduced PFM strength was associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) postpartum.
Methods: This was a prospective cohort study including 319 primigravid women delivered vaginally. PFM function was assessed in pregnant women at term and 6 months postpartum by digital palpation and perineometry. Prolapse was explored using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system.
Results: Instrumental delivery, larger newborn head circumference, and older maternal age were independent risk factors for impaired PFM function postpartum. Women with POP-Q stage ≥ II postpartum had a significant decrease in PFM strength with respect to the antepartum period, and lower PFM strength than women without such prolapse.
Conclusions: Both constitutional and obstetric factors are involved in impairment of PFM function postpartum. Reduced PFM strength is associated with prolapse in the postpartum period.