Randomized Study of an AI Chatbot to Support Pelvic Floor Health and Reduce Loneliness in New Mothers During Postpartum Recovery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a postpartum chatbot powered by generative artificial intelligence genAI to see if it can improve pelvic floor health knowledge and reduce feelings of loneliness in new mothers after childbirth. This trial focuses on postpartum individuals who have recently given birth and aims to compare standard postpartum care with and without the addition of this chatbot. The study addresses the common challenges postpartum individuals face, including pelvic floor disorders, mental health issues, and social isolation, which can affect both maternal and infant well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive standard postpartum care or standard care plus access to the genAI chatbot. The chatbot is accessible through a secure web application for 4 weeks following enrollment and provides personalized, evidence-based education and support about pelvic floor health. It operates without requiring extra in-person visits, and usage data will be collected to understand engagement. Both groups will complete questionnaires about pelvic floor knowledge, symptoms, loneliness, depression, infant bonding, social support, and stress-related experiences. During the study, participants will complete assessments at enrollment, after the intervention period or standard care, and again at 6 months postpartum. These include measures of pelvic floor knowledge, distress symptoms, and loneliness scores. The researchers will monitor responses to evaluate the impact of the chatbot on physical and emotional recovery. The total participation includes the initial 4-week chatbot access period plus follow-up assessments extending to 6 months postpartum, providing insight into both short- and longer-term effects.

Postpartum Education Via Artificial Intelligence for Recovery and Loneliness: A Randomized Controlled Trial