Analysis of the factors affecting the pelvic floor muscle strength of women in the early postpartum period by different modes of delivery

Background The detrimental impacts of childbirth and other factors on pelvic floor muscle strength compromise women's physiological and psychological well-being, and specialists have yet to achieve consensus regarding the effects of various delivery methods on pelvic floor muscle strength. This article examines the impact of various delivery procedures on pelvic floor muscle strength during the early postpartum phase. Methods A total of 1154 women who delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, and underwent pelvic floor surface electromyography assessment at 6–8 weeks postpartum were selected as study subjects. They were categorized into vaginal delivery and cesarean section groups based on the mode of delivery, to analyze the risk factors affecting pelvic floor muscular strength in the early postpartum period for both groups. Results In vaginal delivery, hypertension, episiotomy, and perineal laceration were all independent risk factors for abnormal anterior resting potentials; second stage of labor ≥ 2h, episiotomy, and perineal laceration were all independent risk factors for abnormal fast muscle potentials; weight gain of > 16kg during pregnancy, second stage of labor ≥ 2h, episiotomy, and perineal laceration were all independent risk factors for abnormal slow muscle potentials; and episiotomy and perineal laceration were all independent risk factors for abnormal posterior resting potentials. Among cesarean deliveries, pre-pregnancy BMI > 24 kg/m ² , pregnancy weight gain of 11.5–16 kg, and hypertension were independent risk factors for abnormal anterior resting potentials; pre-pregnancy BMI > 24 kg/m ² and pre-eclampsia were independent risk factors for abnormal fast muscle potentials; a history of uterine leiomyosarcoma was an independent risk factor for abnormal slow muscle potentials; and pregnancy weight gain of > 16 kg and premature rupture of the membranes were all independent risk factors for abnormal posterior resting potentials; perineal incision and perineal laceration were all independent risk factors for abnormal posterior resting potentials. Preterm rupture of fetal membranes were independent risk factors for abnormalities of the posterior resting potential. Conclusions Labor and delivery can adversely affect pelvic floor muscular strength to varying extents; nevertheless, cesarean sections provide some protective benefits to pelvic floor muscle strength, albeit they may induce resting muscle tension in the pelvic floor. The independent risk variables influencing early pelvic floor muscle strength differ between the two groups. The ideal method of delivery for women should be determined based on the current labor circumstances to facilitate a seamless delivery.