Antenatal Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Research Articles

Prevalence of urinary incontinence in postpartum women and physiotherapy interventions applied: An integrative review.

This integrative review identified studies that reported the prevalence of physiotherapeutic interventions for urinary incontinence among postpartum women. This is an integrative literature review study. We used the integrative literature review framework proposed by Whittemore and Knafl to search for relevant literature. The search strategy for electronic databases was developed from the research question and definitions of key concepts, assisted by the librarian. Databases that were searched include Google Scholar, Medline (PubMed), CINAHL, and the Joanna Briggs Institute databases. Both qualitative and quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. We used the CASP tool to assess the quality of selected papers. The included articles were thematically analyzed. Thirty-six papers met the inclusion criteria for the review. Six themes emerged from the analysis: prevalence of postpartum UI; risk factors for postpartum UI; antenatal pelvic floor muscle training; conservative treatment and quality of life; experiences of postpartum women with UI; and possible coping strategies adopted by women. Most of the articles were quantitative studies (80.5%); 16.6% were qualitative and 2.7% adopted mixed methods. Urinary incontinence is common in postpartum women. Antenatal pelvic floor muscle training is protective against postpartum UI and should be the first-line treatment option.

Antenatal pelvic floor muscle training and urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled 7-year follow-up study

Introduction and hypothesisUrinary incontinence is common postpartum. Our aims were to assess whether antenatal exercise including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has long-term effects on urinary incontinence (UI) and to explore factors associated with UI 7 years postpartum.MethodsA follow-up of a two-centre randomized controlled trial performed at St. Olavs Hospital and Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. In the original trial women were randomized to a 12-week structured exercise protocol including PFMT or standard antenatal care during pregnancy. Link to an electronic questionnaire was sent by postal mail 7 years postpartum. Prevalence of UI was assessed with Sandvik severity index and compared between groups. Factors associated with UI were studied using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 35% (298/855). UI was reported by 78 (51%) in the intervention group and 63 (57%) in the control group (p = 0.539). In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, women with UI at inclusion had a five-fold increase in odds of UI at 7 years (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.6, 11.5). Engaging in regular exercise was not significantly associated with UI at 7 years; however, UI was associated with lower exercise intensity (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2, 4.6).ConclusionsWe found no group differences of antenatal exercise including PFMT on UI after 7 years among the responders. UI in pregnancy increased the risk of long-term UI. Regular exercise was not associated with UI at 7 years; however, women with UI were more than twice as likely to exercise at lower intensity than continent women.

Obstetric Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Professional Support Related to Actual Care Practices About Urinary Incontinence

The objective of this study was to evaluate obstetric nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and identify factors associated with their actual specific care practices for recommending pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). A cross-sectional study was conducted among obstetric nurses attending an academic conference about perinatal care in China. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including demographic and professional information, professional supports included clinical protocol and learning experience, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of UI. Four hundred and seven obstetric nurses completed the survey (89.8% response rate). The correct answer rates of the vast majority of knowledge items was more than 80%. The majority of participants strongly agreed that antenatal PFMT is effective in UI treatment and prevention (69.5% and 69.0% respectively). Although only less than 30% of participants always recommended PFMT to incontinent or continent pregnant women (29.5% and 25.3%, respectively), obstetric nurses with clinical protocol, learning experience, and positive attitudes were more likely to recommend PFMT for treating UI (odds ratio [OR], 2.165, P < 0.001; OR, 1.759; P = 0.014; OR, 2.326; P < 0.001, respectively). Obstetric nurses with clinical protocol and positive attitudes were more likely to recommend PFMT for preventing UI (OR, 2.252; P < 0.001; OR, 1.693; P = 0.005, respectively). Most obstetric nurses have good knowledge and positive attitudes toward UI during pregnancy, but fail to deliver care for it. Clinical protocol, learning experience, and positive attitudes are facilitators of their actual specific care practices for recommending PFMT. This finding suggests the need for developing clinical protocols and education programs regarding UI during pregnancy.

In pregnant women, does antenatal pelvic floor muscle training help to prevent urinary incontinence?

In pregnant women, does antenatal pelvic floor muscle training help to prevent urinary incontinence?

Performance of self-reported and unsupervised antenatal pelvic floor muscle training and its effects on postpartum stress urinary incontinence among Chinese women: a cohort study.

ObjectivesWe investigated performance of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) among Chinese pregnant women, to explore its effects on postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in Shenzhen, China among 815 singleton pregnant women age ≥18 years, who were continent before pregnancy. Telephone follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks postpartum. Logistic univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to estimate effects of antenatal PFMT (frequency and duration) on SUI postpartum among subgroups defined by SUI during pregnancy. The interactions of antenatal PFMT and PFMT duration on SUI postpartum were tested.ResultsAmong 798 women included in the analysis, 127 (15.91%) had SUI at 6 weeks postpartum. Only 157 (19.67%) women performed antenatal PFMT, none under supervision. After adjusting potential confounders, neither frequency (odds ratio (OR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.32) nor duration (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.87–1.23) of antenatal PFMT was a significant factor in postpartum SUI. No interactions of antenatal PFMT and PFMT duration on SUI postpartum were found in any participants or subgroups.ConclusionNo effect of self-reported, unsupervised, self-initiated antenatal PFMT on SUI 6 weeks postpartum was found. Low doses and no supervision may have contributed to the negative results.

Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women.

Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women.

Implementing pelvic floor muscle training in women's childbearing years: A critical interpretive synthesis of individual, professional, and service issues.

AimsAntenatal pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) may be effective for the prevention and treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence both in pregnancy and postnatally, but it is not routinely implemented in practice despite guideline recommendations. This review synthesizes evidence that exposes challenges, opportunities, and concerns regarding the implementation of PFMT during the childbearing years, from the perspective of individuals, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and organizations.MethodsCritical interpretive synthesis of systematically identified primary quantitative or qualitative studies or research syntheses of women's and HCPs attitudes, beliefs, or experiences of implementing PFMT.ResultsFifty sources were included. These focused on experiences of postnatal urinary incontinence (UI) and perspectives of individual postnatal women, with limited evidence exploring the views of antenatal women and HCP or wider organizational and environmental issues. The concept of agency (people's ability to effect change through their interaction with other people, processes, and systems) provides an over‐arching explanation of how PFMT can be implemented during childbearing years. This requires both individual and collective action of women, HCPs, maternity services and organizations, funders and policymakers.ConclusionNumerous factors constrain women's and HCPs capacity to implement PFMT. It is unrealistic to expect women and HCPs to implement PFMT without reforming policy and service delivery. The implementation of PFMT during pregnancy, as recommended by antenatal care and UI management guidelines, requires policymakers, organizations, HCPs, and women to value the prevention of incontinence throughout women's lives by using low‐risk, low‐cost, and proven strategies as part of women's reproductive health.

In pregnant women, does antenatal pelvic floor muscle training help to prevent urinary incontinence?

In pregnant women, does antenatal pelvic floor muscle training help to prevent urinary incontinence?

Perineal massage and training reduce perineal trauma in pregnant women older than 35years: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of perineal massage, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and a pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) prevention educational program in pregnant women above the age of 35 years to prevent perineal tear and episiotomy. A randomized parallel assignment study involved two groups of pregnant women at the obstetrics outpatient clinic 4weeks prior to their due date. The first group (n = 200) was educated to do digital perineal massage and pelvic floor muscle training and received an educational PFD prevention program. The second group (n = 200) received only the prevention education program. Occurrence of perineal laceration was reported at time of delivery as a primary outcome. Statistical analysis was done using the IBM SPSS computer program (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA), release 22 for Microsoft Windows. Delivery was significantly less complicated by perineal tear, episiotomy and postnatal pain in the first than in the second group (p < 0.05). Grades of perineal tear were mostly of first and second degree in the first group compared with the second group. We found a significantly lower need for analgesia and fewer ampoules required during the hospital stay in the first group (p < 0.001, 0.002, respectively). Performing antenatal digital perineal massage and PFMT in addition to health education is recommended to reduce perineal complications.

Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women.

About a third of women have urinary incontinence and up to a tenth have faecal incontinence after childbirth. Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly recommended during pregnancy and after birth both for prevention and treatment of incontinence.To determine the effect of pelvic floor muscle training compared to usual antenatal and postnatal care on incontinence.We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 24 April 2008) and the references of relevant articles.Randomised or quasi-randomised trials in pregnant or postnatal women. One arm of the trials needed to include pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Another arm was either no pelvic floor muscle training or usual antenatal or postnatal care. The pelvic floor muscle training programmes were divided into either: intensive; or unspecified if training elements were lacking or information was not provided. Reasons for classifying as intensive included one to one instruction, checking for correct contraction, continued supervision of training, or choice of an exercise programme with sufficient exercise dose to strengthen muscle.Trials were independently assessed for eligibility and methodological quality. Data were extracted then cross checked. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Handbook. Three different populations of women were considered separately: women dry at randomisation (prevention); women wet at randomisation (treatment); and a population-based approach in women who might be one or the other (prevention or treatment). Trials were further divided into: those which started during pregnancy (antenatal); and after delivery (postnatal).Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies involving 6181 women (3040 PFMT, 3141 controls) contributed to the analysis. Based on the trial reports, four trials appeared to be at low risk of bias, two at low to moderate risk, and the remainder at moderate risk of bias.Pregnant women without prior urinary incontinence who were randomised to intensive antenatal PFMT were less likely than women randomised to no PFMT or usual antenatal care to report urinary incontinence in late pregnancy (about 56% less; RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.65) and up to six months postpartum (about 30% less; RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.97).Postnatal women with persistent urinary incontinence three months after delivery and who received PFMT were less likely than women who did not receive treatment or received usual postnatal care (about 20% less; RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.90) to report urinary incontinence 12 months after delivery. It seemed that the more intensive the programme the greater the treatment effect. Faecal incontinence was also reduced at 12 months after delivery: women receiving PFMT were about half as likely to report faecal incontinence (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.87).Based on the trial data to date, the extent to which population-based approaches to PFMT are effective is less clear (that is, offering advice on PFMT to all pregnant or postpartum women whether they have incontinence symptoms or not). It is possible that population-based approaches might be effective when the intervention is intensive enough.There was not enough evidence about long-term effects for either urinary or faecal incontinence.There is some evidence that PFMT in women having their first baby can prevent urinary incontinence in late pregnancy and postpartum. In common with older women with stress incontinence, there is support for the widespread recommendation that PFMT is an appropriate treatment for women with persistent postpartum urinary incontinence. It is possible that the effects of PFMT might be greater with targeted rather than population-based approaches and in certain groups of women (for example primiparous women; women who had bladder neck hypermobility in early pregnancy, a large baby, or a forceps delivery). These and other uncertainties, particularly long-term effectiveness, require further testing.

Comparison between the Significant of Antenatal Pelvic Floor Exercises and Non-Intervention in Preventing Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common symptom observed in modern times, which may affect 7-37% of women aged 20-39 and 9-39% after the age of 60. Pregnancy and natural delivery are important risk factors increasing the likelihood of incontinence. Conservative intervention such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is superior in preventing and treating urinary incontinence. Purpose: In the current systematic review we evaluated 10 randomized control study that present the impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the occurrence and intensity of urine leakage in women in four different periods: during pregnancy, until 8 weeks postpartum, up to three to 12 months, and up to 6-8 years after child birth. In addition, we presented the best available evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training in preventing and treating the urinary incontinence rather than non-intervention. Data source: PubMed, Cochrane library, BMJ Group, BioMed Central, Wiley online library. Study selection: 10 randomized, control trials (RCTs) published in English from 2001-2016. Data extraction: Incontinence due to other causes other than childbirth. Data synthesis: The study focus on pelvic floor exercise versus non-intervention for the antenatal women, incontinence must be as a result of childbirth, and randomized control study. Limitation of the study: The reviewed studies are limited to 10 randomized control trials. Conclusion: There is significant evidence that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is superior in preventing and treating urinary incontinence as compared to non-intervention.

The effect of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training on labor and delivery outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has been widely used to prevent and treat urinary incontinence; however, the possible effect of antenatal PFMT on labor and delivery is still not clear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effect of antenatal PFMT on labor and delivery. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled studies of an obstetric population who had done antenatal PFMT met the inclusion criteria. Data about labor and delivery outcomes included the first stage of labor, the second stage of labor, episiotomy, instrumental delivery, and perineal laceration. The nine English and four Chinese databases were searched from their inception through November 6, 2014. Fixed or random effects models were selected based on study heterogeneity. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between PFMT and the labor and delivery outcomes. Twelve studies were identified, involving a total of 2,243 women, in which 1,108 were PFMT and 1,135 controls. They indicated that PFMT during pregnancy significantly shortened the first and second stage of labor in the primigravida (WMD = -28.33, 95 % CI: -42.43 to -14.23, I(2) = 0.0 % , and WMD = -10.41, 95 % CI: -18.38 to -2.44, I(2) = 64.0 % respectively). In the subgroup analysis on the second stage of labor, heterogeneity decreased for subgroups of China and European countries (I(2) = 0.0 %, P = 0.768 and I(2) = 0.0 %, P = 0.750 respectively), but statistically significant association only existed in the subgroup of China (WMD = -17.42, 95 % CI: -23.41 to -11.43). When evaluating the effect on the rates of episiotomy, instrumental delivery and perineal laceration, the meta-analysis showed that the results were not significant (OR = 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.54 to 1.02; OR = 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.61 to 1.17 and OR = 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.66 to 1.40 respectively). Antenatal PFMT might be effective at shortening the first and second stage of labor in the primigravida. The moderate heterogeneity for the second stage of labor data need further study. Antenatal PFMT may not increase the risk of episiotomy, instrumental delivery, and perineal laceration in the primigravida.

Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women: A short version Cochrane review

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended during pregnancy and after birth both for prevention and the treatment of incontinence. Effect of pelvic floor muscle training compared to usual antenatal and postnatal care on incontinence. Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Register; handsearching (searched February 7, 2012); the references of relevant articles. Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials in pregnant or postnatal women having pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) versus no PFMT or standard care. Duplicate trial assessment, selection and data abstraction. Twenty-two trials involving 8,485 women. Continent pregnant women (prevention) who had intensive antenatal PFMT were less likely to report urinary incontinence up to 6 months after delivery (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.95). Incontinent postnatal women (treatment) who received PFMT were less likely to report urinary incontinence 12 months after delivery (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35-1.03). In a mixed population (women with and without incontinence symptoms in late pregnancy or after delivery), PFMT did not reduce incontinence rates after delivery. For women who are continent during pregnancy, PFMT may prevent urinary incontinence up to 6 months after delivery. The extent to which mixed prevention and treatment approaches to PFMT in the postnatal period are effective is less clear that is, offering advice on PFMT to all pregnant or postpartum women whether they have incontinence symptoms or not. There was little evidence about long-term effects for either urinary or fecal incontinence.

Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women

About a third of women have urinary incontinence and up to a 10th have faecal incontinence after childbirth. Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly recommended during pregnancy and after birth both for prevention and the treatment of incontinence. To determine the effect of pelvic floor muscle training compared to usual antenatal and postnatal care on incontinence. We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which includes searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE in Process and handsearching (searched 7 February 2012) and the references of relevant articles. Randomised or quasi-randomised trials in pregnant or postnatal women. One arm of the trial needed to include pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Another arm was either no PFMT or usual antenatal or postnatal care. Trials were independently assessed for eligibility and methodological quality. Data were extracted then cross checked. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Three different populations of women were considered separately, women dry at randomisation (prevention); women wet at randomisation (treatment); and a mixed population of women who might be one or the other (prevention or treatment). Trials were further divided into those which started during pregnancy (antenatal); and those started after delivery (postnatal). Twenty-two trials involving 8485 women (4231 PFMT, 4254 controls) met the inclusion criteria and contributed to the analysis.Pregnant women without prior urinary incontinence (prevention) who were randomised to intensive antenatal PFMT were less likely than women randomised to no PFMT or usual antenatal care to report urinary incontinence up to six months after delivery (about 30% less; risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.95, combined result of 5 trials).Postnatal women with persistent urinary incontinence (treatment) three months after delivery and who received PFMT were less likely than women who did not receive treatment or received usual postnatal care to report urinary incontinence 12 months after delivery (about 40% less; RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.03, combined result of 3 trials). It seemed that the more intensive the programme the greater the treatment effect.The results of seven studies showed a statistically significant result favouring PFMT in a mixed population (women with and without incontinence symptoms) in late pregnancy (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.94, random-effects model). Based on the trial data to date, the extent to which mixed prevention and treatment approaches to PFMT in the postnatal period are effective is less clear (that is, offering advice on PFMT to all pregnant or postpartum women whether they have incontinence symptoms or not). It is possible that mixed prevention and treatment approaches might be effective when the intervention is intensive enough.There was little evidence about long-term effects for either urinary or faecal incontinence. There is some evidence that for women having their first baby, PFMT can prevent urinary incontinence up to six months after delivery. There is support for the widespread recommendation that PFMT is an appropriate treatment for women with persistent postpartum urinary incontinence. It is possible that the effects of PFMT might be greater with targeted rather than mixed prevention and treatment approaches and in certain groups of women (for example primiparous women; women who had bladder neck hypermobility in early pregnancy, a large baby, or a forceps delivery). These and other uncertainties, particularly long-term effectiveness, require further testing.

Continence and pelvic floor status in nulliparous women at midterm pregnancy

A Cochrane review recommends antenatal pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in urinary incontinence (UI) prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate nulliparous pregnant women's knowledge about and practising of PFMT, their pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, and ability to contract correctly. It was hypothesized that continent women had higher PFM strength and endurance than women with UI. Three hundred nulliparous women at gestational week 18-22 were included in a cross-sectional study. Vaginal resting pressure, maximum voluntary contraction, and PFM endurance were measured by manometer. UI was assessed by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Comparisons of PFM function in continent women and women with UI were analyzed using independent-samples t test. Mean differences with 95 % confidence interval (CI) are presented. Of 300 women, 89 % had heard of PFMT at mid pregnancy, and 35 % performed PFMT once or more a week. After thorough instruction 4 % were unable to contract correctly. Thirty-five percent reported UI, of whom 48 % performed PFMT once or more a week. Continent women had significantly higher PFM strength and endurance when compared with women having UI, with mean differences of 6.6 cmH(2)O (CI 2.3-10.8, p = 0.003), and 41.5 cmH(2)Osec (CI 9.8-73.1, p = 0.010), respectively. No difference was found for vaginal resting pressure (p = 0.054). Most nulliparous pregnant women knew about PFMT. Thirty-five percent performed PFMT once or more a week. Incontinent nulliparous pregnant women had weaker PFM than their continent counterparts. More emphasis on information regarding PFM function and PFMT is warranted during pregnancy.

Effect of pelvic floor muscle training on labour and newborn outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

The use of the pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence treatment is well established but little is known about its effects in labor and newborn outcomes. To evaluate the effects of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training and strength in labor and newborn outcomes in low-income pregnant women. This is a randomized controlled trial that recruited forty-two nulliparous healthy pregnant women aged between 18-36 years old and able to contract the pelvic floor muscles. The participants were included in the study with 20 weeks of gestational age and had their pelvic floor muscles measured by vaginal squeeze pressure. They were randomly allocated into two groups: training group and a non-intervention control group. Then, all participants had their labor and newborn outcomes evaluated through consultation of medical records by a blinded researcher. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding gestational age at birth, type of labor, duration of the second stage of labor, total time of labor, prevalence of laceration, weight and size of the baby, and Apgar score. No correlation was observed between pelvic floor muscle strength and the second stage or the total length of labor. This randomized controlled trial did not find any effect of pelvic floor muscle training or pelvic floor muscle strength on labor and newborn outcomes.

Effect of Antenatal Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Labor and Birth

To estimate whether women doing pelvic floor muscle training before and during pregnancy have increased risk of perineal lacerations, episiotomy, vacuum/forceps delivery, or acute cesarean delivery. Participants were 18,865 primiparous women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Data were collected by self-completed questionnaires at gestational weeks 17 and 30 and analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Data about obstetric outcomes were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Pelvic floor muscle training was categorized as less than once per week, one to two times per week, and at least three times per week both before and during pregnancy. The results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of women who performed pelvic floor muscle training less than once per week, 7.2% sustained a third-degree or fourth-degree laceration compared with 6.3% of women who performed pelvic floor muscle training at least three times per week. A similar pattern was present for rates of episiotomy (29.1% compared with 24.9%), vacuum/forceps delivery (15.9% compared with 15.0%), and acute cesarean delivery (9.5% compared with 7.5%). Adjusting for factors that might be associated with pelvic floor muscle training and the outcomes under study did not distort the effect of pelvic floor muscle training. Exercising at least three times per week was not associated with third-degree and fourth-degree perineal lacerations, episiotomy, vacuum/forceps delivery, or acute cesarean delivery (adjusted OR 0.86 [95% CI 0.60-1.24], 0.82 [0.67-1.01], 0.95 [0.74-1.22], and 0.75 [0.53-1.05], respectively). Pelvic floor muscle training before and during pregnancy does not affect labor and birth outcomes or complication rates. II.

The long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training: 8‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

The long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training: 8‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Author Response to: The long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training: 8‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Author Response to: The long‐term effectiveness of antenatal pelvic floor muscle training: 8‐year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Does pelvic floor muscle training prevent and treat urinary and fecal incontinence in pregnancy?

This Practice Point commentary discusses the systematic review by Hay-Smith and colleagues, which investigated the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for preventing and treating urinary and fecal incontinence in pregnant and postnatal women. The authors concluded that antenatal PFMT improved continence outcomes during first pregnancy, and that PFMT represents an appropriate treatment for women with persistent postpartum incontinence. This systematic review is of high methodological quality. Nevertheless, the exclusion of studies with nonrandomized designs and the inclusion of large studies of weak interventions might have resulted in an underestimation of the effect of PFMT. The dose-response relationship is important in PFMT, and intensive training with close follow-up is required to achieve beneficial effects.