Effects of Pelvic Exercises on Birth and Incontinence
The Effect of Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy on Obstetric Outcomes and Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Selcuk University
151 participants
Dec 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The Effect of Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy on Obstetric Outcomes and Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Registered in the hospital's prenatal school and actively participating in the 3-day training sessions,
- Aged between 18 and 35 years,
- Between 28 and 30 weeks of gestation,
- Having a singleton and low-risk pregnancy,
- Primiparous (expecting their first birth),
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate by signing the written informed consent form,
- Able to read, understand, and communicate in Turkish.
Exclusion Criteria10
- Those who have previously given birth vaginally or by cesarean section (multiparous women),
- Those with multiple pregnancies,
- Those who conceived through assisted reproductive techniques,
- Those diagnosed with serious obstetric or medical complications during pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, risk of preterm birth),
- Those with chronic constipation or cough,
- Those who are overweight or obese,
- Those with chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections,
- Those with a history of psychiatric diagnosis or currently receiving psychiatric treatment,
- Those with a diagnosis of or treatment for urinary incontinence,
- Those unable to regularly attend the education sessions or who discontinue the program,
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Interventions
Pregnant women in the exercise group will participate in an eight-week pelvic floor exercise program. The program begins with a face-to-face group training session during a childbirth preparation class at Konya City Hospital, in groups of 15, led by a midwife. Training covers pelvic floor anatomy, correct muscle identification, Kegel exercises, breathing, relaxation techniques, and exercise demonstrations. Following the session, participants will perform exercises three times a week for eight weeks, including Kegels, breathing-coordinated contractions, pelvic floor exercises in various positions, core stabilization exercises, and integration into daily activities. Weekly video materials will support proper exercise and motivation, and participants will record their practice in an exercise diary. At the end, experiences will be evaluated, and guidance for postpartum continuation will be provided.
Locations(1)
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NCT07268014