The Impact of Pregnancy and Mode of Delivery on Female Pelvic Floor Function: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective: To summarize and discuss the impact of pregnancy and mode of delivery on pelvic floor function, and to clarify current methods for predicting and preventing pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Mechanism: The author conducted a literature search in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, focusing on studies from the past 5 years. The search included the keywords: “pelvic floor disorders”, “pelvic organ prolapse”, “urinary incontinence”, “anal incontinence”, “pregnancy”, and “mode of delivery”. To our knowledge, this is the first review to comprehensively analyze the influence of pregnancy and delivery on pelvic floor function, identify associated risk factors, and discuss methods for predicting and preventing PFD based on these risk factors. Findings in Brief: Pregnancy and delivery are closely associated with the occurrence of PFD, and different types of PFD are linked to distinct risk factors. Most of these risk factors are difficult to modify, which further emphasizes the significance of preventive measures. Pelvic floor muscle training should be encouraged both during the pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Conclusions: Clinicians should perform a comprehensive analysis based on individual risk factors, pregnancy-related symptoms, and physical examination results to identify high-risk individuals and offer personalized recommendations for pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation suggestions, especially pelvic floor muscle training, in order to lower the incidence of PFD.