Impact Of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise During Pregnancy On Maternal Outcome: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Pregnancy and childbirth entail significant physiological changes, often accompanied by challenges such as perineal trauma and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, including Kegel exercises and perineal massage, have emerged as potential interventions to mitigate these issues and promote maternal well-being.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy on maternal outcomes.
Methods: A comprehensive search of databases yielded ten relevant studies conducted between 2011 and June 2022. These studies, encompassing various interventions and methodologies, were analyzed to identify trends in outcomes such as duration of labor, mode of delivery, perineal trauma, episiotomy rates, and postpartum pain. Ten studies, utilizing randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, were systematically reviewed.
Results: The findings suggest that pelvic floor interventions contribute to more efficient labor progression, reduced rates of perineal trauma, and enhanced pelvic floor muscle strength. Findings from various studies indicated significant differences favoring the intervention group, such as reduced labor duration, favorable mode of delivery, decreased perineal trauma, and alleviated perineal pain. However, there were some contradictory results, with one study showing no significant impact on delivery mode or perineal outcomes.
Conclusion: Kegel exercises, particularly during the third trimester, showcased a notable reduction in labor duration and perineal trauma. The pelvic floor training exhibited significant reductions in episiotomy rates, severe perineal trauma, postpartum perineal pain, and analgesia requirements.
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