EFFECTS OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE TRAINING ON URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN DURING THEIR FIRST PREGNANCY: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-257Keywords:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Physical Exercise, Pregnant Women, Primigravidae, Urinary IncontinenceAbstract
Urinary incontinence is a common condition during pregnancy that may negatively affect women's well-being and quality of life. In this context, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) represents a conservative strategy for preventing and managing urinary leakage. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PFMT on urinary incontinence in women experiencing their first pregnancy. An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and SciELO databases in September 2026, without temporal restrictions. A total of 81 records were identified, of which seven studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings demonstrated predominantly favorable effects of PFMT in preventing urinary incontinence. Among the main results, one study reported urinary incontinence rates of 32% in the intervention group and 48% in the control group, while another investigation identified rates of 27.3% and 53.3%, respectively. Improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary symptoms were also reported. However, one study found no statistically significant differences between groups. The heterogeneity of training protocols, assessment instruments, and intervention periods limited comparisons across studies. It was concluded that PFMT has preventive potential against urinary incontinence during the first pregnancy. Nevertheless, further research is needed to establish more consistent training parameters and clarify its effects on the frequency and severity of urinary leakage.
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