In a recent study unveiled promising findings of the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during pregnancy in reducing significant maternal health issues. The key findings of the study were published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. This study focused on the efficacy of PFMT by recognizing the importance of physical activity during pregnancy, specially for the prevention of pregnancy-related complications.

This systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed 30 studies with a total of 6691 participants analyzed the impact of PFMT on crucial aspects of maternal health. The results, published between 2010 and 2023, revealed compelling evidence supporting the preventive role of PFMT in urinary incontinence and the occurrence of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears during labor.
The analysis showed a significant reduction in the risk of urinary incontinence (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.87) and third- or fourth-degree perineal tears (RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80) with the implementation of PFMT during pregnancy. But, the preventive impact on episiotomy did not reach statistical significance.
These findings from the study highlight the potential of incorporating PFMT into antenatal care and training programs as a proactive measure for maternal well-being. This study advocates for a more comprehensive approach to prenatal care with the prevention of urinary incontinence and perineal tears emerging as favourable benefits. These outcomes suggest that PFMT may play a critical role in enhancing maternal health and improved childbirth outcomes and a better quality of life for women during and after pregnancy.

Source:
Zhang, D., Bo, K., Montejo, R., Sánchez‐Polán, M., Silva‐José, C., Palacio, M., & Barakat, R. (2023). Influence of pelvic floor muscle training alone or as part of a general physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy and third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tear: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. In Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14744