Postpartum pelvic floor recovery and early rehabilitation after vaginal birth
The RECOVER Study - Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structure and Function After Vaginal Childbirth- a Longitudinal Cohort Study With an Embedded Pilot Trial
This project tests whether early, individualized pelvic floor muscle training starting 2–3 weeks after a vaginal birth helps people with postpartum pelvic floor symptoms recover better than usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 380 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Vastra Gotaland Region Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Gothenburg and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07430865 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The RECOVER program follows about 380 people recruited in late pregnancy and tracks pelvic floor structure and symptoms through the first year after a single-term vaginal birth. Participants have clinical exams, self-reported symptom questionnaires, and pelvic floor ultrasounds at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. An embedded pilot randomized trial will enroll roughly 124 symptomatic participants to either early individualized pelvic floor muscle training beginning 2–3 weeks after delivery or standard postpartum care. Imaging of levator ani muscles, hiatus measures, bladder neck position, and clinical pelvic floor assessments will be linked to symptom change over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People aged 18 or older who deliver a single baby vaginally at term (37–41 weeks) with a birthweight ≥2500 g are eligible for the cohort, and those who develop postpartum pelvic floor symptoms qualify for the embedded randomized pelvic floor muscle training program.
Not a fit: Individuals who had a cesarean delivery, have major prior urogynecologic surgery, known neurological or severe connective tissue disorders, recent re-pregnancy, or pain that prevents pelvic exams are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce urinary, bowel, and prolapse-related symptoms and speed structural recovery after vaginal childbirth.
How similar studies have performed: Pelvic floor muscle training has shown benefit for postpartum urinary incontinence in prior research, but early individualized programs guided by imaging within a prospective cohort are relatively novel and not yet widely proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals (over 18 years) who delivered a single child vaginally between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation, with a birthweight of at least 2500 grams. Exclusion Criteria: * Delivered via c-section * Multiparous with previous third- or fourth-degree tears * History of major urogynecological surgery * Known neurological disorder (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis) that could affect the assessment outcomes * Severe connective tissue disorders that could affect the assessment outcomes * New pregnancy of more than 6 weeks during the study period * Pain with vaginal penetration, tampon use, or gynecological examinations that would prevent participation in assessments * Visible signs for wound complications assessed via REEDA tool (redness, oedema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation) will exclude the participants from the first ultrasound assessment and vaginal palpation.
Where this trial is running
Gothenburg and 1 other locations
- Sahlgrenska hospital, Östra — Gothenburg, Sweden (Recruiting)
- University of Gothenburg — Gothenburg, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sabine Vesting, PhD
- Email: sabine.vesting@gu.se
- Phone: 0046722095484
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.