2020 Volume 7 Pages 43-50
This study aimed to elucidate the pelvic floor muscle strength of women at postpartum month 1 and the relationship between pelvic floor muscle strength and delivery-related factors. We measured the pelvic floor muscle strength of 92 women at postpartum month 1 and investigated factors related to delivery. The study found that the maximum contraction force and duration were 0.74 kgf and 3.29 seconds, respectively. Of 92 women, 9.7% found it difficult to voluntarily contract the pelvic floor muscle and 17.4% could voluntarily contract the muscle but had difficulty with prolonged contraction. Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between pelvic floor muscle strength at postpartum month 1 and pre-pregnancy urinary incontinence. The above-mentioned findings suggest that collecting information about pre-pregnancy urinary incontinence rather than delivery-related factors is necessary to predict pelvic floor muscle strength at postpartum month 1. In addition, it is also suggested that in order to provide appropriate care for the pelvic floor of postpartum women, their pelvic floor muscle strength must be evaluated, as well as estimation of high-risk from delivery-related factors.
