title: Effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on pelvic floor muscle activity and voiding functions during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period on pelvic floor muscle activity and voiding functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pregnant women (n = 60) were randomly assigned into two groups (Training [n = 30] and Control [n = 30]) using a computer-based system. Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using a perineometry device. Urinary symptoms were measured using the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q). Voiding functions were measured using uroflowmetry and 3-day voiding diaries. Measurements were obtained at week 28, weeks 36-38 of pregnancy, and postpartum weeks 6-8.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pelvic floor muscle strength significantly decreased during the pregnancy (P < 0.001). However, pelvic floor muscle strength improvement was significantly higher in the Training group compared to the Control group (P < 0.001). The UDI-6, IIQ-7, and OAB-q scores did not significantly change during weeks 36-38 of pregnancy in the Training group (P > 0.05). However, UDI-6, coping, concern, and total scores of OAB-q were significantly decreased during weeks 36-38 of pregnancy in the Control group (P < 0.05). The UDI-6 and OAB-q scores were significantly improved during postpartum weeks 6-8 (P < 0.05). Voiding functions were negatively affected in both groups, decreasing during weeks 36-38 of pregnancy and improving during the postpartum period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnancy and delivery affect pelvic floor muscle strength, urinary symptoms, quality of life, and voiding functions. Pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy and the postpartum period increase pelvic floor muscle strength and prevent deterioration of urinary symptoms and quality of life in pregnancy.
authors: Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
authors: Hatice
authors: H
authors: Kahyaoglu Sut
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Petek
authors: P
authors: Balkanli Kaplan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059952:Pelvic Floor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: delivery; muscle strength; pelvic floor; pregnancy; training; voiding function