Background: This study aimed to analyze the effect of obstetric factors on the development of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in women in the early postpartum period.
Methods: Clinical data of 300 women who were reviewed in our outpatient clinic from July 2016 to December 2019 in the postpartum period were retrospectively analyzed. The occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form. Factors affecting the occurrence of PFD in women in the early postpartum period were analyzed using univariate and multifactorial logistic regression models.
Results: A total of 46 cases of POP (15.33%) and 82 of SUI (27.33%) occurred in 300 women at 6– 8 weeks after birth. Unconditional logistic regression confirmed that age ≥ 35 years, vaginal delivery, BMI before delivery ≥ 25 kg/m², perineal tear, protracted or prolonged second stage of labor, and fetal macrosomia were risk factors influencing the occurrence of POP (OR > 1, P < 0.05), whereas age ≥ 35 years, vaginal delivery, perineal tear, protracted or prolonged second stage of labor, fetal macrosomia, and SUI during pregnancy were risk factors influencing the occurrence of SUI (OR> 1, P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Obstetric factors such as age, mode of delivery, perineal tear, protracted or prolonged second stage of labor, and fetal macrosomia may increase the risk of developing PFD in women in the early postpartum period; hence, these risk factors should be correctly identified and promptly addressed to prevent the development of PFD.
Keywords: pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, obstetric factors