The impact of parity on pelvic floor morphology and function: a
retrospective study
Abstract
Objective: To analyse the impact of parity on pelvic floor morphology
and function in postpartum period. Design: Retrospective study Setting:
single-country . Population: This study included 1076 participants who
visited Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from December 2019 to
August 2022. Methods: One-way ANOVA and covariance analysis were used
between groups. Pearson correlation analysis and partial correlation
analysis were used to assess the relationship between variables. Main
outcome measures: Modified Oxford scale, surface electromyography, and
pelvic floor three dimensions ultrasound. Results: Both one-way ANOVA
analysis and covariance analysis indicated that the differences between
primipara, deuteripara, and tertipara in bladder neck presentation,
urethral rotation angle, bladder neck descent, and hiatal area were
statistically significant. Pearson and partial correlation analysis all
showed the positive correlations between rapid contraction, tonic
contraction, endurance contraction and the grade of modified Oxford
scale. Unlike pearson correlation analysis, most correlations subsided
in the further partial correlation analysis except pretest resting
baseline with urethral rotation angle. Conclusion: The grade of modified
Oxford scale exhibited a positively correlation with the contractions of
surface electromyography which reflected the reliability of pelvic floor
surface electromyography. The impact of parity on not only the grade of
modified Oxford scale but also surface electromyography was not
statistically significant, but the descent of pelvic organ increased as
parity increased. Except pretest resting baseline, any other factors of
modified Oxford scale and surface electromyography had no correlation
with pelvic organ displacement.