Examining pelvic floor function and ultrasound results one year after childbirth

Correlation Pelvic Floor Function and Ultrasound Findings One Year After Childbirth

NA · Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05530681

This study looks at how women's pelvic floor muscles and symptoms change a year after giving birth to see if there's a connection between them.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven (other)
Locations1 site (Leuven)
Trial IDNCT05530681 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective cohort study at University Hospitals Leuven aims to investigate the relationship between self-reported pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and structural changes in pelvic floor muscles one year after vaginal delivery. Participants will undergo pelvic floor ultrasound and complete questionnaires at various points: during labor admission, postpartum check-up, and 12 months postpartum. The study will also explore demographic and obstetric variables related to pelvic floor injury and assess how women cope with pelvic floor dysfunction and their adherence to pelvic floor muscle training. The findings could provide valuable insights into postpartum pelvic health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch or English-speaking women aged 18 or older, who are over 33 weeks pregnant and planning to deliver vaginally at UZ Leuven.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, do not speak Dutch or English, are less than 33 weeks pregnant, or are not delivering vaginally at UZ Leuven will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of pelvic floor disorders and improve postpartum care for women.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored pelvic floor dysfunction, this specific correlation between ultrasound findings and self-reported symptoms postpartum is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age = or \> 18 years
* Dutch/English-speaking
* \> 33 weeks gestation
* delivering in UZ Leuven
* vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

* age \< 18 years
* not Dutch/English-speaking
* \< 33 weeks gestation
* not delivering in UZ Leuven
* non-vaginal delivery
* Any disorder, that independently from delivery, affects pelvic floor function or structure, such as, but not limited to musculoskeletal or neurologic diseases.
* any women with drug addiction, cognitive deficit, language-barrier and illiteracy
* any disorder or timing or circumstances, which in the Investigator's opinion represents an obstacle to proper informed consent, or safe and/or compliant participation.
* any prior or simultaneous treatment(s) potentially jeopardising safety or compromising trial integrity.

Where this trial is running

Leuven

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pelvic Floor Disorders, Obstetric Trauma, Urinary Incontinence, Anal Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pelvic Pain, Sexual Dysfunction, Constipation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.