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Effects of pregnancy on pelvic floor dysfunction and body image; a prospective study

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Abstract

Impact of pregnancy on pelvic symptom-related quality of life and body image has not been previously documented. We hypothesize that pregnancy will have a negative impact on pelvic symptoms and body image. Pregnant subjects completed questionnaires in the first (S1) and third trimester (S2) and 6 months postpartum (S3) including: Body Exposure During Sexual Activities Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. Urinary symptoms worsened through pregnancy with improvement postpartum. However, quality of life impact of fecal incontinence was stable. Although some associations between low body image and maternal weight, urinary distress, and bowel complaints were suggested, no significant relationships were noted. Poorest body image was noted in the postpartum period. Urinary symptoms worsen during pregnancy with recovery postpartum, while body image suffers most following pregnancy.

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Acknowledgment

This research was supported by a grant from the TriHealth Hatton Research Department, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Women’s Center for Specialized Care, Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, 3219 Clifton Ave., #100, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA

    Rachel N. Pauls

  2. Mayo Clinic, EILO-71, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    John A. Occhino

  3. Hatton Institute for Research and Education, Good Samaritan Hospital, 375 Dixmyth Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA

    Vicki Dryfhout

  4. Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, 3219 Clifton Ave, #100, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA

    Mickey M. Karram

Authors
  1. Rachel N. Pauls
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  2. John A. Occhino
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  3. Vicki Dryfhout
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  4. Mickey M. Karram
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Correspondence to Rachel N. Pauls.

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Pauls, R.N., Occhino, J.A., Dryfhout, V. et al. Effects of pregnancy on pelvic floor dysfunction and body image; a prospective study. Int Urogynecol J 19, 1495–1501 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0670-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0670-3

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