Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between pelvic floor exercises commenced at 28-30 weeks gestation and urinary incontinence (UI) at three months postpartum.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, from 1st February 2024 to 31st August 2024. Participants included were pregnant women presenting to Obstetrics & Gynecology department of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi form age 18-45 years at 28 to 30 weeks of gestation. The study excluded women with twin pregnancy, any medical comorbidities or history of UI treatments. The intervention group received instructions on Pelvic floor muscle exercises while the control groups were observed with routine antenatal care. The primary outcome was to measure the incidence of UI at three months postpartum.
Result: UI was significantly less frequent at 3 months postpartum among women randomized to Pelvic floor muscle exercises compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Commencing Pelvic floor muscle exercises at 28-30 weeks of gestation leads to an effective reduction in postpartum UI, recommending its integration into routine antenatal care.

Key words: Postpartum urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, Urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training.