Awareness of the methods of primary and secondary childbirth trauma prevention among parturients

Czech version

Authors: A. Veverková ¹; V. Kališ ^1,2; Z. Rušavý ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň, přednosta doc. MUDr. Z. Novotný, CSc. ¹; Biomedicínské centrum LF UK, Plzeň, vědecký ředitel projektu doc. MUDr. M. Štengl, Ph. D. ²
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2017; 82(4): 327-332

Overview

Objective:
To evaluate the awareness of fresh mothers regarding the primary prevention of pelvic floor disorders after childbirth. The secondary objective was to identify sources of information, reality of childbirth trauma prevention and attitude to pelvic floor muscle training.

Design:
Prospective survey study.

Setting:
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University.

Methods:
We included 202 women after a vaginal delivery at our center from 6/2015 to 12/2015. These women completed anonymous questionnaire with six questions.

Results:
83% of respondents were informed regarding the possibility of primary prevention of childbirth, nulliparas were informed better (88%). The main source of information was the Internet (46%), while only 5% of women received information from their doctor. Despite the high awareness of postpartum trauma prevention, less than half of interviewed women actually performed it (35%). The most widely used method was the massage of the perineum (29%), vaginal dilatation balloons were used less (7%) and alternative methods were pursued by only 4% of women. Experience with pelvic floor muscle exercises had 79% of women, while 90% wanted to exercise after the delivery.

Conclusion:
Awareness of mothers regarding primary and secondary prevention of pelvic floor disorders is satisfactory. Nevertheless, the information from doctors is inadequate. Despite high awareness, the antepartum prevention methods are used relatively rarely. The study clearly shows the level of awareness and reality of primary and secondary prevention of pelvic floor disorders in our region.

Keywords:
pelvic floor disorders, childbirth, perineal massage, vaginal dilatation balloons, postpartum trauma, pelvic floor muscle exercises

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