Correlation of Pelvic Floor Function and Ultrasound Findings One Year After Childbirth

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying women who have given birth vaginally at the University Hospitals Leuven to understand pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) one year after delivery. The study aims to link self-reported PFD symptoms with changes in pelvic floor muscles and evidence of muscle injury using ultrasound imaging. Investigators also want to compare patient characteristics and examine how women recover and follow pelvic floor muscle training during the postpartum period. They are exploring the use of ultrasound images to develop artificial intelligence tools for automated analysis. Women will undergo pelvic floor ultrasound and complete standardized questionnaires that assess urinary, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function at three key times: upon admission to the labor suite, at the postpartum check-up, and one year after delivery. The ultrasound will document pelvic floor muscle anatomy and potential injuries. The questionnaires used include validated tools like the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Index, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, and Female Sexual Function Index, among others. Participants will be followed for one year postpartum with assessments including ultrasound measurements and symptom questionnaires. Researchers will gather information from medical records about pregnancy and delivery. The main outcomes measured are urinary and anal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and constipation at one year. Additional outcomes include detailed pelvic floor muscle injury measures and pelvic organ position. This study does not involve blinding or multiple treatment groups, focusing instead on observation and correlation of clinical and imaging findings over time.

Correlation Pelvic Floor Function and Ultrasound Findings One Year After Childbirth