Conservative treatments; Muscle tone; Neuromuscular control; Physical exercise; Quality of life; Related risk; Risk factors; Risks management; Vaginal delivery; Well being; Social Sciences (all)
Abstract :
[en] Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) significantly impacts women’s quality of life (QoL), affecting social, professional, and mental well- being. Pregnancy and childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery, are major risk factors for PFD. This chapter reviews pelvic floor anatomy, function and changes during pregnancy and childbirth. It explores the prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of PFD, emphasizing conservative treatments like physical exercise and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). PFMT strengthens pelvic floor muscles, improves muscle tone, and enhances neuromuscular control, effectively preventing and treating PFD. Regular physical exercise during pregnancy without complications maintains physical and cardiorespiratory functions and reduces sedentary lifestyle- related risks. Therefore, PFMT and regular physical exercise are essential for preventing and managing PFD during pregnancy and postpartum. Moreover, education on pelvic floor health for healthcare providers and women is essential to promote lifelong adherence to physical exercise and improve women’s QoL.
Disciplines :
Human health sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Van Hauwaert, Roxane ; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Tomé, Ana ; University of Algarve, Portugal
PEREIRA DE ALMEIDA, Rui Pedro ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) > Department of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (DHML) > Medical Education
Vilela, Fernanda; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Coutinho, Ana Luísa; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Alpoim, Daniela; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
de Jesus, Rita Sofia Fernandes; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Virga, Ema ; Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
External co-authors :
yes
Language :
English
Title :
Physical Exercise and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: A Vital Tool in Mitigating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Publication date :
2024
Main work title :
Global Innovations in Physical Education and Health
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