Impact of postpartum exercise on pelvic floor disorders and diastasis recti abdominis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

1. Pelvic floor exercise interventions did reduce the odds of some pelvic symptoms.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

People moving through pregnancy and into the post-partum period are at increased risk for urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence (AI), sexual dysfunction, pelvic girdle pain, and diastasis rectus abdominus. Not only do people need to navigate these potential issues but also sort through the myriad of (mis)information available on how to manage, reverse, or minimize the symptoms relating to pregnancy and childbirth.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of exercise in the first year postpartum on the risk and symptom severity of urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and diastasis rectus abdominus.

People moving through pregnancy and into the post-partum period are at increased risk for urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic girdle pain, and diastasis rectus abdominus.

This study indicates that pelvic floor exercises may be helpful in reducing the odds of urinary incontinence and anal incontinence.

METHODS

• This systematic review with random effects meta-analysis was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

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