Awareness Of Importance Of Pelvic Floor Exercises In Postnatal Women In Rural Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND - Postnatal pelvic floor dysfunctions are significant yet often unaddressed health concern among rural women. Pregnancy and childbirth causes various alterations in the structure and functions of the pelvic floor that increases the risk of pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor exercises are safe and non-invasive exercises which are effective in improving a woman's pelvic floor health in both prenatal and postnatal phase without any medication.

OBJECTIVE-

1. To evaluate the awareness of importance of pelvic floor exercises among postnatal women in rural population and to promote healthy life style choices regarding their pelvic floor health.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLGY- institutional protocol and ethical committee approval, vide their letter no. KVV/ IEC/01/2025 dated January 23, 2025.This observational study was conducted in rural areas of Karad using a survey method over a duration of six months. The sample size was calculated using the formula n = z² × p × q / L², resulting in 100 participants, where z represents the confidence level, p the prevalence, q = 100 – p, and L the allowable error. Data collection involved a consent form and a validated questionnaire, Participants included postnatal rural women within 6 to 12 months of postpartum period aged between 21 to 40 years residing in rural areas of Karad, women with a history of recent Pelvic floor surgeries, Orthopedic or Neurological surgeries were excluded from the study.

• RESULT- the findings showed that out of 100 postnatal rural women (43% ) of women had awareness about the importance of pelvic floor exercises, while (57% )lacked awareness. Kegel’s exercises were the most commonly known about ( 40%). (72% ) had lack of knowledge about benefits of exercises. Primary barrier was limited health care access. Interestingly (100%) of women had positive response towards knowing more about pelvic floor exercises.

CONCLUSION-This research found that there was a significant gap in awareness and practice of pelvic floor exercises among postnatal women in rural areas. Providing education on pelvic floor health, pelvic floor disorders and pelvic floor exercise practice into antenatal and postnatal care which will enhance the pelvic floor health and prevent the secondary complications regarding pelvic floor health also help in improving pelvic floor health, enhancing overall well-being and preventing the risks related to pelvic floor disorders in postnatal rural women.