Pelvic floor symptoms according to the severity of second-degree perineal tears within 12 months post-partum: A longitudinal prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Second-degree perineal tears following vaginal birth are common and presumed to be of little clinical importance. However, the extent of damage to the perineal body varies widely, and there is reason to believe that larger second-degree tears may be associated with more pelvic floor symptoms, compared to lesser form. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess differences in pelvic floor symptoms according to the severity of second-degree perineal tears up to 12 months post-partum, stratified by parity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Akershus University Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Norway. The study sample consisted of 409 primiparas and 394 multiparas with vaginal births. Perineal tears were classified using the classification system recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Further, second-degree tears were subclassified as 2A, 2B, or 2C, depending on the percentage of damage to the perineal body. Episiotomies were analyzed as a separate group. Pelvic floor symptoms were assessed using the Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory (KAPTAIN). A linear mixed model was estimated to assess the trend in pelvic floor symptom scores according to perineal tear category and stratified by parity. The primary and secondary outcome measures were the mean sum scores of the KAPTAIN-Inventory, measured in pregnancy (at 18 weeks of gestation), at 3- and 12 months post-partum, and the reported impact of genital discomfort on quality of life measured in pregnancy and at 12 months post-partum. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pelvic floor symptom scores over time, or at any timepoint, between no tear, first-degree tear, or second-degree tear subcategories, for primi-, and multiparas. Pelvic floor symptoms increased from pregnancy to 3 months post-partum and remained higher at 12 months post-partum compared to pregnancy in all perineal tear categories. Compared to primiparas, multiparas reported a significantly higher impact of genital discomfort on quality of life in pregnancy and at 12 months post-partum. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in pelvic floor symptoms according to the severity of second-degree perineal tears.

The severity of second-degree perineal tears and perineal pain during three months postpartum: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Second-degree perineal tears are common and can vary widely in the extent of tissue trauma. Therefore, a better understanding of perineal pain based on tissue trauma severity in second-degree tears is needed. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to assess differences in perineal pain according to the severity of perineal tears, with a focus on subcategories of second-degree tears, during the first three months postpartum. The secondary aim was to assess the use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns according to the severity of the second-degree tears. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, nulli- and multiparous women with singleton pregnancies were included during pregnancy. After birth, perineal tears were classified using the latest international classification system. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorised according to percentage of damage to the perineum (<50 %=2A,>50 % but less than entire perineum=2B, affecting entire perineum, anal sphincter not involved=2C). Perineal pain, use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns were assessed during a phone interview seven to ten days postpartum and through an electronic questionnaire three months postpartum. FINDINGS: Out of 880 vaginal births, 852 participants completed the phone interview and 715 answered the electronic questionnaire. During the first three months postpartum, women with 2C-tears reported statistically significantly higher pain scores and more frequent use of pain medication compared to women with 2A-tears. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of participants not breastfeeding between second-degree tear subcategories. CONCLUSION: Women with 2C-tears reported higher perineal pain scores and more use of pain medication compared to those with less severe tears during three months postpartum.

Occurrence and risk factors for second-degree perineal tears: A prospective cohort study using a detailed classification system.

BACKGROUND: The amount of tissue trauma within second-degree perineal tears varies widely. Therefore, subcategorization of second-degree tears and a better understanding of their occurrence and risk factors are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of perineal tears when second-degree tears were subcategorized. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between variables related to perineal anatomy and other potential risk factors, with second-degree tear subcategories. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 880 primiparous and multiparous women giving birth to one child vaginally. Perineal tears were categorized using the classification system recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorized as 2A, 2B, or 2C according to the percentage of damage to the perineal body. Selected variables related to perineal anatomy were as follows: length of genital hiatus; perineal body length; and previous perineal trauma. Risk factors for second-degree tear subcategories were analyzed using a multinominal regression model. RESULTS: Perineal tears occurred as follows: first-degree: 35.6% (n = 313), 2A: 16.3% (n = 143), 2B: 9.1% (n = 80), 2C: 6.6% (n = 58), and third- or fourth-degree: 1.6% (n = 14). In total, 169/880 participants underwent an episiotomy. When episiotomies were excluded, the risk for 2B, or 2C tears increased with smaller genital hiatus, larger perineal body, previous perineal trauma, primiparity, higher gestational age, instrumental vaginal delivery and fetal presentation other than occiput anterior. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of second-degree tear subcategories was 16.3% for 2A tears, 9.1% for 2B tears, and 6.6% for 2C tears. Factors related to perineal anatomy increased the odds for experiencing a second-degree tear in a more severe subcategory.

Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training, levator ani avulsion and levator hiatus area: a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vaginal delivery may lead to tearing of the levator ani (LA) muscle from its bony insertions (complete LA avulsion) and increased levator hiatus (LH) area, both risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions. Early active rehabilitation is standard treatment after musculo-skeletal injury. We hypothesized that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) early postpartum would reduce the presence of LA avulsions and reduce LH area. METHODS: We carried out a planned secondary analysis from a randomized controlled study. Primiparous women (n=175) giving birth vaginally were included 6 weeks postpartum, stratified on complete LA avulsion, and thereafter randomized to PFMT or control. The training participants (n=87) attended a supervised PFMT class once a week and performed home-based PFMT daily for 16 weeks. The control participants (n=88) received no intervention. Presence of complete LA avulsion, LH area at rest, maximal contraction, and maximal Valsalva maneuver were assessed by transperineal ultrasound. Between-group comparisons were analyzed by analysis of covariance for continuous data, and relative risk (RR) for categorical data. RESULTS: Six months postpartum, the number of women who had complete LA avulsion was reduced from 27 to 14 within the PFMT group (44% reduction) and from 28 to 17 within the control group (39% reduction). The between-group difference was not significant, RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.37). Further, no significant between-group differences were found for LH area at rest, during contraction, or Valsalva. CONCLUSIONS: Supervised PFMT class combined with home exercise early postpartum did not reduce the presence of complete LA avulsion or LH area more than natural remission.

Recovery of pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance 6 and 12 months postpartum in primiparous women-a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To date there has been scant knowledge on the natural recovery of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) after childbirth. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether PFM variables at 6 and 12 months postpartum had returned to mid-pregnancy levels and assess risk factors for reduced recovery at 12 months postpartum. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study following 235 nulliparous pregnant women from mid-pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength and endurance were assessed by manometry at 22 weeks, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Multiple linear regression was used to address factors influencing PFM variables beyond birth mode. RESULTS: Cesarean section was protective for change in PFM variables. From mid-pregnancy to 12 months postpartum there was a 20% reduction in VRP (p<0.001) and a 7.5 % reduction in PFM strength (p=0.007), and an increase of 9% in PFM endurance (p=0.002) in the normal vaginal birth. The instrumental vaginal group had a decline in VRP of 21% (p<0.001) and PFM strength of 15% (p=0.011), but no significant change in PFM endurance. Higher BMI at 12 months postpartum, longer second stage of labor, and major tears of the levator ani muscle had a negative influence on the PFM recovery beyond delivery mode. CONCLUSIONS: At 12 months postpartum following vaginal delivery, the PFMs are not fully recovered compared with mid-pregnancy values. More follow-up physical therapy may be warranted in the postpartum period, especially for women with complicated vaginal births and higher BMI.

Pelvic floor symptoms from first pregnancy up to 8 years after the first delivery: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the strong association between vaginal childbirth and pelvic floor dysfunction, genetic factors, pregnancy, advancing age, and lifestyle also play a role. The pelvic floor undergoes substantial changes during pregnancy, which may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Conversely, these changes may be favorable for vaginal delivery. However, there is a lack of studies assessing pelvic floor symptoms over time according to delivery mode and including predelivery assessment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe urinary incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and bowel control symptoms from 21 weeks of gestation in the first pregnancy up to 8 years after the first delivery, stratified by delivery mode. STUDY DESIGN: This was a longitudinal observational cohort study. A total of 300 nulliparous women were recruited during their first pregnancy. Pelvic floor symptoms were assessed at 21 and 37 weeks of gestation, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 8 years after first delivery using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire modules: the urinary incontinence sum score, the weighted vaginal symptom sum score, the vaginal-associated quality of life score, the bowel control sum score, and the bowel-associated quality of life sum score. Delivery mode at first delivery defined delivery groups as: normal vaginal, operative vaginal, and cesarean delivery. A linear mixed-model analysis was used to assess symptom scores over time and differences in symptom scores between the delivery groups. RESULTS: Of the 300 women included in the study, 193 attended the 8-year follow-up. Pelvic floor symptoms differed between women who had vaginal delivery and those who had cesarean delivery. The symptom scores showed a nonlinear statistically significant trend. In women who delivered vaginally, there was an increase of urinary incontinence and vaginal symptom scores already during pregnancy. In women who later delivered by cesarean, there was a decrease of symptom scores during pregnancy, and overall lower symptom scores relative to women who had vaginal delivery at 12 months after the first delivery. Pelvic floor symptom scores increased from 12 months to 8 years after the first delivery and exceeded pregnancy levels in all delivery groups; however, overall symptom scores were low. Differences between delivery groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor symptoms differed between women who had vaginal delivery and those who had cesarean delivery from the first pregnancy up to 8 years after the first delivery. These differences were already recognizable before the first delivery.

Detailed classification of second-degree perineal tears in the delivery ward: an inter-rater agreement study.

INTRODUCTION: Second-degree perineal tears can vary widely as to the extent of trauma, which may be relevant for women's pelvic floor health postpartum. However, the short- and long-term consequences of second-degree perineal tears are poorly understood, likely due to the lack of a detailed classification system. Such a classification system for second-degree tears has been suggested but the inter-rater agreement has not yet been assessed. The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater agreement of the already established classification system for perineal tears recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG classification) among midwives. Further, we aimed to assess the inter-rater agreement of a classification system that provides three sub-categories for second-degree perineal tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an inter-rater agreement study, conducted at Akershus University Hospital in Norway from 31 August to 29 November 2020. All midwives working in the delivery ward participated in the study. Midwives classified the integrity of the perineum of all women delivering vaginally within the study period. During the first month of the study, tears were classified by two midwives who were blinded to each other's findings, and the agreement of the RCOG classification was assessed. The following month, the detailed classification system was introduced to the midwifery staff. The last month, perineal tears were classified by two midwives using the detailed classification system, and the agreement was assessed. Inter-rater agreement was measured using Fleiss multirater kappa (k) and Kendall's coefficient of concordance (KCCw ). RESULTS: The inter-rater agreement for the RCOG classification was good to very good, with k = 0.705 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.79, P < 0.001), KCCw  = 0.928 (P < 0.001). The inter-rater agreement for the detailed classification system was good to very good, with k = 0.748 (95% CI 0.67-0.83, P < 0.001), KCCw  = 0.956 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The inter-rater agreement among midwives using both the RCOG classification and the detailed classification system among midwives was good to very good. The detailed classification system provides additional information about the extent of tissue trauma in second-degree tears, warranted for future research on women's pelvic floor health postpartum.

Change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and maternal and obstetric risk factors: A longitudinal ultrasound study.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed first to investigate the change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle (LAM) defects, also called avulsions, from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and second to assess maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defects/avulsions at 1 year postpartum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study including 300 nulliparous women at 17-19 weeks of gestation. Major LAM defects were diagnosed at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum using transperineal ultrasonography. We defined persistent major LAM defects as a defect diagnosed both at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Maternal and obstetric data were obtained from the hospital's electronic birth records. Pelvic floor muscle function was measured vaginally by manometer at 21 weeks of gestation. The main outcome measurement was change in prevalence of major LAM defects. Maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defect were also assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of major LAM defects was 19.4% at 6 weeks and 10.4% at 1 year postpartum. No new major LAM defects were diagnosed at 1 year postpartum. Persisting major LAM defects were associated with longer second stage of labor (median 74.5 minutes vs median 48.0 minutes, P = .012) and higher neonatal birthweight (mean difference of 232.3 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-443.1). Vacuum delivery was independently associated with persistent major LAM defects, adjusted OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.0-9.0). CONCLUSIONS: There was a 50% reduction of sonographically diagnosed major LAM defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum. This finding suggests that assessment of the major LAM 6 weeks postpartum may be too early to diagnose defects/avulsions. Long second stage of labor, high neonatal birthweight and vacuum delivery were associated with persistent major LAM defects/avulsions.

Risk factors for anatomic pelvic organ prolapse at 6 weeks postpartum: a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to identify risk factors for postpartum anatomic pelvic organ prolapse (aPOP) by comparing women with and without aPOP at 6 weeks postpartum with regard to pelvic floor measurements antepartum and obstetrical characteristics. METHODS: We carried out a prospective observational cohort study including nulliparous pregnant women in a Norwegian university hospital. Participants underwent clinical examinations, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) and transperineal ultrasound at gestational week 21 and at 6 weeks postpartum. Background and obstetrical information was obtained from an electronic questionnaire and from the patient's electronic medical file respectively. Associations were estimated using logistic regression analyses. The dependent variable was aPOP, defined as POP-Q stage ≥2 at 6 weeks postpartum. Independent variables were mid-pregnancy measurements of selected POP-Q variables and levator hiatus area (LHarea), delivery route, and the presence of major levator ani muscle (LAM) injuries at 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: A larger LHarea, a more distensible LAM, a longer distance from the meatus urethra to the anus (Gh + Pb) and a more caudal position of the anterior vaginal wall (Ba) at mid-pregnancy were risk factors for aPOP at 6 weeks postpartum, whereas delivery route and the presence of major LAM injuries were not. CONCLUSION: Prelabor differences in the pelvic floor rather than obstetrical events were risk factors for aPOP at 6 weeks postpartum.

Correction to: Association between vaginal bulge and anatomical pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy and postpartum: an observational study.

The last paragraph of the "Interpretation" section contains an error.

Association between vaginal bulge and anatomical pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy and postpartum: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is defined as the coexistence of anatomical POP and relevant symptoms. Vaginal bulge is the symptom most closely associated with the anatomical condition in nonpregnant women. Even if childbearing is a major risk factor for the development of POP, there is scant knowledge on the prevalence of specific POP symptoms, and how these symptoms relate to anatomical POP during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of this study was to explore whether vaginal bulge symptoms were associated with anatomical POP in pregnancy and postpartum, and to present the prevalence of vaginal bulge symptoms throughout this period. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out following 300 nulliparous pregnant women with repeat assessments from mid-pregnancy until 1 year postpartum. Symptoms of vaginal bulge defined as the sensation of a vaginal bulge inside and/or outside the vagina were assessed by electronic questionnaires. Anatomical POP defined as pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) stage ≥2 has been presented in a previous publication and showed a range of 1-9%. The association between the symptom vaginal bulge and anatomical POP at the various visits was analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Prevalence of vaginal bulge ranged between 16 and 23%. At 6 weeks postpartum the symptom was associated with anatomical POP; otherwise, these two features were unrelated. CONCLUSIONS: The symptom vaginal bulge was barely associated with anatomical POP, and cannot identify anatomical POP in pregnancy or postpartum.

Postpartum recovery of levator hiatus and bladder neck mobility in relation to pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To study postpartum changes in pelvic floor morphology in a cohort of primiparous women. METHODS: Transperineal ultrasound measurements taken at five examination points, both prepartum and postpartum, provided data for comparison. Three hundred nulliparous pregnant women were examined at 21 weeks of gestation and 274 (91%) at 37 weeks of gestation. At 6 weeks postpartum, 285 (95%) women were examined, 198 (66%) at 6 months, and 178 (59%) at 12 months using transperineal ultrasonography at rest, during contraction, and during Valsalva maneuver. The levator hiatus area, bladder neck mobility, and rest-to-Valsalva hiatal area difference were assessed. RESULTS: Approximately 85% had vaginal and 15% had cesarean deliveries. Demographic characteristics of the patients lost to follow-up were similar to the patients not lost to follow-up. In the vaginal group, a significant decrease in all measurements was seen during the first 6 months postpartum, being most pronounced for the levator hiatus area during Valsalva maneuver (-3.5 cm; P<.001). In the cesarean delivery group, no significant changes between examination points were found postpartum. Only the vaginal delivery group showed significant increases in all measurements when comparing the status at 12 months postpartum with 21 weeks of gestation, most pronounced for levator hiatus area during Valsalva maneuver (3 cm; P<.001). However, comparing the two delivery groups at 12 months postpartum, the only significant difference found was levator hiatus area during contraction. CONCLUSION: The levator ani muscle has the ability to recover after pregnancy and delivery, although not all women recover to pregnancy level. Most of the recovery occurs during the first 6 months postpartum. Significant pregnancy-induced changes are not shown to persist 1 year postpartum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : II.

Coital incontinence and vaginal symptoms and the relationship to pelvic floor muscle function in primiparous women at 12 months postpartum: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Symptoms related to sexual dysfunction postpartum are scarcely addressed in the literature, and the relationship to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function is largely unknown. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate primiparous women 12 months postpartum and study: (i) prevalence and bother of coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters; and (ii) whether coital incontinence and vaginal symptoms were associated with vaginal resting pressure (VRP), PFM strength, and endurance. METHODS: International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) sexual matters module and ICIQ-Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire were used for questions on coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and sexual matters, respectively. PFM function was assessed by manometer (Camtech AS, Sandvika, Norway). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Coital incontinence, vaginal symptoms, and PFM function were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven primiparous women, mean age 28.7 (standard deviation [SD] 4.3) participated. Of the 94% of women having sexual intercourse, coital incontinence was found for 1.2% whereas 34.5% reported at least one vaginal symptom interfering with the sexual life of primiparous women. Of the symptoms investigated, "vagina feels dry," "vagina feels sore," and "vagina feels loose or lax" were most prevalent, but the overall impact on the woman's sexual life was minimally bothersome, mean 1.4 out of 10 (SD 2.5). Women reporting "vagina feels loose or lax" had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-month postpartum coital incontinence was rare, whereas the prevalence of vaginal symptoms interfering with sexual life was more common. The large majority of primiparous women in our study had sexual intercourse at 12 months postpartum and the reported overall bother on sexual life was low. Women reporting "vagina feels loose or lax" had lower VRP, PFM strength, and endurance when compared with women without the symptom.

Does general exercise training before and during pregnancy influence the pelvic floor "opening" and delivery outcome? A 3D/4D ultrasound study following nulliparous pregnant women from mid-pregnancy to childbirth.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that women who are regular exercisers have a tighter pelvic floor and thereby have more difficulty during childbirth than non-exercising women. We investigated whether women exercising before and during pregnancy have a narrower levator hiatus (LH) area than their sedentary counterparts. We also studied whether regular exercise at gestational week 37 influences delivery outcome. METHODS: Cohort study of 274 nulliparous pregnant women assessed at mid-pregnancy and gestational week 37 by three-dimensional/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography of the LH area. Exercisers were defined as those exercising ≥30 min three times per week and non-exercisers as not exercising. Exercise data were collected via electronic questionnaire at mean gestational weeks 21 and 37. Labour and delivery outcomes were collected from the women's electronic medical birth records. Differences between exercisers and non-exercisers were analysed using independent sample t test or χ(2) test. p Value was set to ≤0.05. RESULTS: At gestational week 37, exercisers had a significantly larger LH area than non-exercisers at rest and during PFM contraction (mean difference -1.6 cm(2) (95% CI -3.0 to -0.3), p=0.02 and -1.1 cm(2) (95% CI -2.0 to -0.1), p=0.04, respectively). No significant differences were found between exercisers and non-exercisers at week 37 in any labour or delivery outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that women exercising regularly before or during pregnancy have a narrower LH area or more complicated childbirths than non-exercising women. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01045135.

Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training and pelvic organ prolapse--a randomized trial of primiparous women.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common and distressing condition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on prevention and treatment of symptoms and signs of POP in primiparous postpartum women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a parallel group assessor blind randomized controlled trial. One hundred seventy-five primiparous postpartum women, mean age 29.8 years (standard deviation 4.1), stratified on major levator ani defects or no defect diagnosed by 3-/4-dimensional ultrasound, participated in a 4-month PFMT starting at 6-8 weeks' postpartum or control. All participants had thorough individual instruction and assessment of ability to perform correct pelvic floor muscle contractions. The PFMT group followed a supervised, weekly group training program and performed 3 sets of 8-12 daily maximal contractions at home. Main outcome was POP stage II or greater assessed by POP quantification and bladder neck position assessed by 3-/4- dimensional transperineal ultrasonography. Secondary outcome was symptoms of vaginal bulge using International Consultation on Incontinence Vaginal Symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of the intervention group adhered to ≥80% of both group and home training sessions. At postintervention, there was no significant risk difference in POP (rational ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-4.75), bladder neck position or symptoms of vaginal bulging. CONCLUSION: No effect was found of postpartum PFMT on POP in primiparous women. More randomized controlled trials are needed before strong conclusions can be drawn on the effect of PFMT on POP in the particular population.

Pelvic floor muscle variables and levator hiatus dimensions: a 3/4D transperineal ultrasound cross-sectional study on 300 nulliparous pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aims of the present study were to investigate the correlation among vaginal resting pressure and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and the correlation between the same variables and levator hiatus (LH) dimensions in nulliparous pregnant women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 300 nulliparous pregnant women, mean age 28.7 years (SD 4.3) and pre-pregnancy BMI 23.9 kg/m(2) (SD 3.9), assessed at mean gestational week 20.8 (±1.4). Vaginal resting pressure and PFM strength and endurance were measured using a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon. LH dimensions (transverse and anterior-posterior diameters_ and LH area were assessed using 3/4D transperineal ultrasound in the axial plane of minimal hiatal dimensions using render mode. The Pearson correlation was used to analyze correlations among vaginal resting pressure and PFM strength and endurance, and between PFM variables and LH dimensions. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Pelvic floor muscle strength and vaginal resting pressure were significantly, but weakly correlated (r = 0.198, p < 0.001). PFM strength and endurance showed a strong correlation (r = 0.929, p < 0.001). High vaginal resting pressure was moderately correlated with a small LH area at rest (r = -0.451, p < 0.001), but there was no significant correlation neither between PFM strength and LH area at rest (r = -0.012, p = 0.84) nor between muscle endurance and LH area at rest (r = -0.014, p = 0.81). A strong PFM contraction correlated moderately with reduction of the LH area (r = -0.367, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance are strongly correlated, butdo not correlate with a smaller LH area at rest.

Levator hiatus dimensions in late pregnancy and the process of labor: a 3- and 4-dimensional transperineal ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the investigation were to study the association between levator hiatus dimensions in late pregnancy and both the length of second stage of labor and also the delivery mode in women delivering their first child. STUDY DESIGN: In this cohort study, 231 nulliparous women were examined with 3- and 4-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography at 37 weeks of gestation. The anteroposterior, transverse diameter, and the area of levator hiatus were measured at rest, during levator ani muscle contraction, and during Valsalva maneuver. The second stage of labor was divided into passive and active second stage and delivery modes into normal vaginal or instrumental deliveries. Spearman correlation coefficient, independent-sample t test, and standard logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Larger levator hiatus dimensions at rest and during contraction at 37 weeks of gestation correlated with a shorter duration of the active second stage in women with normal vaginal delivery (Spearman correlation coefficient, -0.13 to -0.35, P ≤ .08). Women having normal vaginal deliveries had significantly larger transverse diameter at rest, during contraction, and during Valsalva maneuver compared with women having instrumental deliveries (mean difference, 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.16-0.41; mean difference, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21-0.44 and mean difference, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.42; P < .05). The same was true for the levator hiatus area at rest and during contraction (mean difference, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.37-2.07 and mean difference, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.22-1.46; P < .01). These estimates were unchanged by adjustments in the logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Larger levator hiatus dimensions in late pregnancy had a significant association with a shorter active second stage of labor and normal vaginal delivery.

Postpartum pelvic floor muscle training and urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether postpartum pelvic floor muscle training decrease prevalence of any urinary incontinence (UI) in primiparous women with and without UI at inclusion (mixed population) and further to perform stratified analyses on women with and without major levator ani muscle defects. METHODS: A two-armed assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial including primiparous women 6 weeks after vaginal delivery was conducted. Participants were stratified on major levator ani muscle defects, verified by transperineal ultrasonography, and thereafter randomly allocated to training or control. All participants were taught to contract the pelvic floor muscles. The control participants received no further intervention, whereas training participants attended a weekly supervised pelvic floor muscle training class and performed daily home exercise for 16 weeks. Primary outcome was self-reported UI analyzed by relative risk. RESULTS: We included 175 women, 55 with major levator ani muscle defects and 120 without. Prevalence of UI at baseline was 39.1% in the training group (n=87) and 50% among those in the control group (n=88). Fifteen women (8.6%) were lost to follow-up. At 6 months after delivery (postintervention), 34.5% and 38.6% reported UI in the training and control groups, respectively. Relative risk analysis of UI gave a nonsignificant effect size of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-1.32). Results were similar for the stratum with and without major levator ani muscle defects, 0.89 (95% CI 0.51-1.56) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.53-1.52), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum pelvic floor training did not decrease UI prevalence 6 months after delivery in primiparous women. Stratified analysis on women with and without major levator ani muscle defects showed similar nonsignificant results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01069484. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : I.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of pelvic organ support during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pregnancy affects levator hiatus dimensions and the position and mobility of the bladder neck and the levator ani muscle in nulliparous pregnant women. METHODS: In the present study, 274 nulliparous pregnant women were examined at 21 weeks and 37 weeks of gestation using three-dimensional and four-dimensional transperineal ultrasonography at rest, during contraction, and during Valsalva maneuver. Levator hiatus dimensions were the anteroposterior diameter, the transverse diameter, and the area measured in rendered images. Positions of the bladder neck and levator plate were analyzed in the midsagittal plane, and mobility was calculated as displacement of the bladder neck or levator plate from rest to contraction or from rest to Valsalva. RESULTS: A significant increase for all levator hiatus dimension measurements was found from 21 weeks to 37 weeks of gestation. The most marked change was found for levator hiatus area at rest and during Valsalva maneuver, in which the mean area was increased by 17.1% (11.7-13.7 cm(2)) and 21.4% (15.4-18.7 cm(2)), respectively. Bladder neck mobility changed significantly during pregnancy. The most marked change was seen from rest to contraction (mean -14 mm, standard deviation 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: An increase of all hiatal dimensions as well as bladder neck mobility was found from 21 weeks to 37 weeks of gestation in nulliparous pregnant women. The findings indicate that the changes in pelvic organ support are not solely caused by delivery, but also by physiologic changes during pregnancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Too tight to give birth? Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function in 277 nulliparous pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Theoretically, tight or strong pelvic floor muscles may impair the progress of labor and lead to instrumental deliveries. We aimed to investigate whether vaginal resting pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength, or endurance at midpregnancy affect delivery outcome. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of women giving birth at a university hospital. Vaginal resting pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength, and endurance in 300 nulliparous pregnant women were assessed at mean gestational week 20.8 (±1.4) using a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon. Delivery outcome measures [acute cesarean section, prolonged second stage of labor (> 2 h), instrumental vaginal delivery (vacuum and forceps), episiotomy, and third- and fourth-degree perineal tear) were retrieved from the hospital's electronic birth records. RESULTS: Twenty-three women were lost to follow-up, mostly because they gave birth at another hospital. Women with prolonged second stage had significantly higher resting pressure than women with second stage less than 2 h; the mean difference was 4.4 cmH2O [95 %confidence interval (CI) 1.2-7.6], p < 0.01, adjusted odds ratio 1.049 (95 % CI 1.011-1.089, p = 0.012). Vaginal resting pressure did not affect other delivery outcomes. Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance similarly were not associated with any delivery outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: While midpregnancy vaginal resting pressure is associated with prolonged second stage of labor, neither vaginal resting pressure nor pelvic floor muscle strength or endurance are associated with operative delivery or perineal tears. Strong pelvic floor muscles are not disadvantageous for vaginal delivery.