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The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy on genito-pelvic pain level in postpartum period

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The goal of the study is to determine 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 from 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 week postpartum. The control group was not given pelvic floor muscle exercise training, and only data collection forms were filled in. During the study, the Descriptive Form, Verbal Category Scale, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, and Labour and Postpartum Information Form were given to the pregnant women in both groups.

Results

After pregnant women in the experimental group performed pelvic floor muscle exercises, pain levels were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.01). Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 total score and sub-dimension scores of the experimental group were statistically significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.01) in the postpartum 72 h findings of the experimental group in which pelvic floor muscle exercises were applied compared to the control group.

Conclusions

According to the result of the study, as the gestational weeks progress, the genito-pelvic pain increases. Pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy prevent the development and progression of pelvic floor disorders in both the antenatal and postnatal periods.

Trial registration

NCT05343520

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Acknowledgements

The authors are responsible for the content of this article. We extend our thanks to all of the staff at the medical center where the study was conducted. The article has not been sent to any other journal for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    Gurbet Yetişkin

  2. Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Midwifery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey

    Hüsniye Dinç Kaya

Authors
  1. Gurbet Yetişkin
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  2. Hüsniye Dinç Kaya
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Contributions

HDK, GY designed the research study.

GY performed the research.

HDK, GY analyzed the data.

HDK, GY wrote the manuscript.

All authors contributed to editorial changes in the manuscript.

All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Hüsniye Dinç Kaya.

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Yetişkin, G., Dinç Kaya, H. The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises applied during pregnancy on genito-pelvic pain level in postpartum period. Int Urogynecol J 33, 2791–2799 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-022-05225-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-022-05225-2

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