What are some of the specific effects of childbirth on the pelvic floor?
The effects of childbirth on a woman’s pelvic floor include possible damage to intrinsic and extrinsic sphincter mechanisms and the anchoring of the bladder neck; damaged pelvic floor innervation; decreased urethral closure pressure and reduced urethral length. Other factors that can possibly exacerbate the trauma of a vaginal delivery include the use of forceps or a vacuum.
