Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in managing urinary incontinence in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue during pregnancy. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) may offer an effective solution for managing this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PFMT on reducing UI symptoms in pregnant women.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 40 UI pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 40 UI pregnant women without GDM. The participants in the experimental group were treated for 10 weeks in the third trimester, whereas the control groups received an educational pamphlet. Quality of life and UI severity were assessed using questionnaires, and pelvic floor muscle performance was measured through ultrasound-based bladder base displacement. Assessments were performed before treatment, after 10 weeks, and 2 weeks postpartum.

Results: In the non-diabetic group, significant reductions in UI symptoms were observed at the end of the third trimester and 2 weeks postpartum [adjusted difference -7.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) -10.62 to -4.49, p<0.001]. However, in the diabetic group, a reduction was noted, but it was not statistically significant. Additionally, the intervention positively impacted quality of life in the non-diabetic group (adjusted difference 30.8, 95% CI 17.6 to 44.1, p<0.001) but not in the diabetic group. Notably, no significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle performance was observed in either group.

Conclusion: This study suggests that PFMT can be more effective than routine pamphlets in reducing UI symptoms and improving the quality of life in pregnant women, both with and without GDM. Further research is needed to explore effects on pelvic floor muscle performance.