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Pelvic Floor Muscle Function, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

NCT05004402 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 345

Last updated 2026-04-16

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are factors that affect a woman's pelvic floor. Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) often occur in the perinatal period. Symptoms and difficulties related to urinary continence and/or pelvic organ prolapse significantly affect daily activities, including physical activity, but also the quality of life and sexual activity. Patient education that includes both the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, as well as information on the prevention of PFD during pregnancy and postpartum is an important part of the prevention of these dysfunctions. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is another common musculoskeletal issue related to pregnancy and postpartum period. In addition to the cosmetic consequences, it can be associated with abdominal pain, the occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction and a negative correlation with the image of a woman's own body.

Material and Methods: Primiparous women after vaginal delivery will be invited to this study. The study will consist of three stages. First phase (baseline measurements) will take place at the hospital and the following assessments will be performed: pelvic floor muscle palpation examination (PERFECT scheme, OXFORD scale, Reissing scale), palpation and ultrasound examination of diastasis recti abdominis. After 12-16 weeks postpartum participants will complete questionnaires about pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti and their impact on quality of life. Third part, 12-16 weeks postpartum, the pelvic floor muscle examination, palpation and ultrasound examination of diastasis recti abdominis will be repeated.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles, prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti abdominis in the primiparous women postpartum. Our secondary objective will be investigation if there are any prognostics factors during the early postpartum period, that can indicate higher risk of PFD and/or DRA 3 months postpartum.

Expected results: Results of this study will inform about prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti in primiparous women in Poland. Additionally, we hope to obtain predictors suggesting pelvic floor or abdominal muscles dysfunction 3 months postpartum. Prevention of pelvic floor disorders may contribute to the early identification of problems and reduce cost of treatment of unrecognized dysfunction. To our knowledge this will be the first study in this area conducted in Poland.

Conditions

  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Diastasis Recti

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Żelazna Medical Centre, LLC

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Małgorzata Starzec-Proserpio, PhD · Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2021-08-04
Primary Completion
2023-12-31
Completion
2023-12-31

Countries

  • Poland

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT05004402 on ClinicalTrials.gov