The RECOVER Study - Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structure and Function After Vaginal Childbirth- a Longitudinal Cohort Study With an Embedded Pilot Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the pelvic floor recovers during the first year after vaginal childbirth and whether early, personalized pelvic floor muscle training can improve recovery and reduce symptoms in people who experience pelvic floor issues after delivery. The study focuses on changes in pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues, and their relationship to urinary, bowel, and vaginal symptoms. It includes an observational cohort and a pilot randomized trial to compare early training with standard postpartum care. Participants receive either early individualized pelvic floor muscle training starting 2-3 weeks after childbirth or standard postpartum care. The training involves progressive exercises with 8-10 maximal contractions held for 6-8 seconds, done 2-3 times daily for at least 12 weeks. Participants also receive education, exercise diaries, and digital follow-ups. Ultrasound and clinical assessments evaluate pelvic floor structure and function at multiple time points. Participants attend clinic visits at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum for ultrasound and clinical assessments, and complete questionnaires about symptoms, physical activity, and quality of life at 6 weeks, 4, 6, and 12 months. Researchers measure urinary, vaginal, and bowel symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength and tone, and anatomical changes using ultrasound. The study also tracks adherence to training and improvement perceptions to understand pelvic floor recovery and the impact of early rehabilitation over 12 months.

The RECOVER Study - Postpartum Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structures and the Impact of Early Rehabilitation