Postpartum pelvic floor recovery and early rehabilitation after vaginal birth
Official title: The RECOVER Study - Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structure and Function After Vaginal Childbirth- a Longitudinal Cohort Study With an Embedded Pilot Trial
Run by Vastra Gotaland Region · NCT07430865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 380 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vastra Gotaland Region Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Gothenburg and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07430865 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.