[Pregnancy, labor and delivery: the pelvic floor injury].

ABSTRACT

The association between pregnancy, labor and delivery, and pelvic floor injury is well known. Pregnancy itself may be associated with some injury, but the main damage occurs during vaginal delivery. It is well documented that vaginal delivery may cause denervation of the pelvic floor as well as direct injury to muscles and connective tissue. These injuries may lead to the development of stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, voiding difficulties, and/or urogenital prolapse. Previous studies showed correlation between various obstetric risk factors and the development of these symptoms, however, there is no consensus regarding the relative contribution of the different parameters. Moreover, the apparently protective effect of cesarean section is questionable. Further studies are required to define obstetric risk factors as well as patients at increased risk. These factors should be taken into consideration in modern obstetric practice.