Abstract

Pelvic muscle strength and stress urinary incontinence were studied in 20 nulliparous women at 32 to 36 antepartum weeks and 6 postpartum weeks. Measures used included a digital muscle strength score, observed incontinence, and urine flow interruption. Pelvic muscle strength declined from the antepartum to postpartum periods in women with vaginal births; however, women with greater antepartal pelvic muscle strength tended to preserve a higher level of strength during the postpartum period. In general, less pelvic muscle strength was found in women who demonstrated stress urinary incontinence.