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The effects of uterine fundal pressure (Kristeller maneuver) on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the role of uterine fundal pressure during the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) on pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary and anal incontinence, genital prolapse, pelvic floor strength).

Methods

522 primiparous women, enrolled 3 months after vaginal delivery, were divided in two groups: group A (297 women) identifies the women who received Kristeller maneuvers with different indications (e.g. fetal distress, failure to progress, mother exhaustion), group B (225 women) the women without maneuver. Participants were questioned about urogynecological symptoms and examined by Q-tip test, digital test, vaginal perineometry and uroflowmetric stop test score.

Results

Mediolateral episiotomies, dyspareunia and perineal pain were significantly higher in Kristeller group, whereas urinary and anal incontinence, genital prolapse and pelvic floor strength were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Kristeller maneuver does not modify puerperal pelvic floor function but increases the rate of episiotomies.

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Conflict of interest

The authors state that they have no conflicts of interest and that the study has been approved by the institutional review board.

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Correspondence to Andrea Sartore.

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Sartore, A., De Seta, F., Maso, G. et al. The effects of uterine fundal pressure (Kristeller maneuver) on pelvic floor function after vaginal delivery. Arch Gynecol Obstet 286, 1135–1139 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2444-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2444-x

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