Actively Recruiting
The RECOVER Study - Postpartum Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structures and the Impact of Early Rehabilitation
Led by Vastra Gotaland Region · Updated on 2026-05-13
380
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
194 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this observational study with an embedded pilot clinical trial is to learn how the pelvic floor recovers after vaginal childbirth and whether early individualized pelvic floor muscle training can improve recovery in people who experience pelvic floor symptoms after vaginal delivery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues change and recover during the first year after vaginal childbirth? * How are these structural changes and their recovery related to urinary, bowel, and vaginal symptoms? * In participants with pelvic floor symptoms after vaginal childbirth, does early individualized pelvic floor muscle training improve symptoms and support structural recovery compared with usual care? Researchers will compare participants who receive the early pelvic floor muscle training to those receiving standard postpartum care to see if the training helps improve pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms. Participants will: Attend clinic visits at six weeks, and six months after childbirth Complete questionnaires about urinary, bowel, and vaginal symptoms, as well as physical activity and quality of life at six weeks, and four, six months, and twelve months after childbirth Undergo clinical pelvic floor assessments, including vaginal palpation of muscle strength, tone, and perineal body stability Have ultrasound examinations of the pelvic floor to assess muscle structure, tissue integrity, and perineal body morphology For those in the pilot trial, participate in an early, individualized pelvic floor muscle training program This study will provide important information about how the pelvic floor heals after childbirth, how structural changes are linked to symptoms, and whether early personalized training can help prevent long-term problems.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The RECOVER Study - Postpartum Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structures and the Impact of Early Rehabilitation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals over 18 years old
- Delivered a single baby vaginally between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy
- Baby's birthweight was at least 2500 grams
You will not qualify if you...
- Delivery by cesarean section
- Previous third- or fourth-degree tears from childbirth in multiparous individuals
- History of major urogynecological surgery
- Known neurological disorders affecting study assessments (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Severe connective tissue disorders affecting study assessments
- New pregnancy exceeding 6 weeks during the study period
- Pain with vaginal penetration, tampon use, or gynecological exams preventing participation
- Visible wound complications (redness, swelling, bruising, discharge, poor healing) excluding first ultrasound and vaginal palpation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Sahlgrenska hospital, Östra
Gothenburg, Sweden, 43541
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sabine Vesting, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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