Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40080111›Full record

ArticleInternational urogynecology journal2025

Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Bothersome Urinary Incontinence After Pregnancy: A Cohort Study.

Sónia Cristóvão, Emelie Asplén, Josefin Borssén, Maria E H Larsson, Sabine Vesting

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International urogynecology journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
  3. Observational
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Sónia CristóvãoNärhälsan Gibraltar Rehabilitation, Gothenburg, Sweden. sonia.coelho.cristovao@gu.se.ORCID 0009-0001-3165-7836
Emelie AsplénHerrestad Midwifery Unit, Västra Götalandsregionen, Uddevalla, Sweden.
Josefin BorssénInstitute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Maria E H LarssonDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 455, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sabine VestingDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 455, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Funding

Forsknings- och utvecklingsstyrelsen för Göteborg och Södra Bohuslän VGFOUGSB-762581Health and Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland VGFOUREG-751101
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introduction and hypothesisPostpartum urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent, and women with bothersome UI tend to seek more help. This study was aimed at evaluating the association between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and bothersome UI in the 1st year postpartum.

methodsA prospective cohort study was conducted with 504 participants. UI was evaluated by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (online) and PFM strength was assessed via vaginal palpation (Modified Oxford Scale, MOS), at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

resultsAt 3 months postpartum, 52% of women had a PFM strength of ≥ 3 MOS, increasing to 84% at 12 months. 42% of women reported UI at 3 months, which remained unchanged by 12 months. PFM strength ≥ 3 MOS was moderately associated with less UI at 3 months (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.42-0.94) and at timepoints 6, 9, and 12 months. Antepartum UI was strongly associated with postpartum UI at all time points: 3 months (OR = 10.23, 95% CI 4.90-21.37), 6 months (OR = 7.75, 95% CI 3.95-15.21), 9 months (OR = 9.95, 95% CI 4.61-21.47), and 12 months (OR = 4.55, 95% CI 2.29-9.04). Grade 2 perineal tears were moderately associated with UI at 9 months postpartum (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.11-3.0).

conclusionsA stronger pelvic floor was associated with less bothersome UI in the 1st year postpartum. UI during pregnancy was most strongly associated with bothersome UI after childbirth. Antenatal screening for UI and promoting PFM training may be warranted to support postpartum recovery and minimize UI.

Indexed as

Muscle StrengthPelvic FloorUrinary IncontinenceAdultCohort StudiesFemaleHumansPostpartum PeriodPregnancyProspective StudiesSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultMidwiferyPelvic floor dysfunctionPerinatal healthPhysiotherapyPostpartumWomen’s health

Identifiers

PMID40080111
PMCPMC12464028

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.