Open AccessTrainability of the Pelvic Floor
Author(s) -
Nielsen A. Cathrine,
Sigsgaard Lnga,
Olsen Mette,
Tolstrup Marianne,
DanneskioldSamsoee Bente,
Bock Johannes E.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016348809004256
Subject(s) - medicine , pelvic floor , general surgery , gynecology , surgery , physical therapy
The contractibility and trainability of the pelvic floor were investigated during pregnancy and after vaginal delivery in 86 healthy primiparae. One group (TG) (n = 38) was instructed in training the pelvic floor from the 33rd week of pregnancy, whereas the other group (non‐TG) (n = 39) was not. Both groups were measured by perineometry five times between 33rd–39th week of pregnancy and approximately 8 weeks after delivery. Half of the women were also measured 8 months post partum. At the beginning of the study both groups showed the same strength of the pelvic floor. 8 weeks and 8 months after delivery the TG were significantly (p < 0.05) better able to contract the pelvic floor compared with the non‐TG. 8 months post partum, the TG had regained the initial values of pelvic floor contraction as from 33rd week of pregnancy, whereas the non‐TG had not. During pregnancy there was a better ability to contract the pelvic floor in the TG vis‐à‐vis the non‐TG, though not significantly so. No difference in the course of delivery was observed, and the frequency of complications was the same in the two groups.