Journal article
Associations of pelvic floor dysfunction and postnatal mental health: a systematic review
Journal of reproductive and infant psychology, Vol.43(4), pp.958-979
08/08/2025
DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2314720
PMID: 38357811
Abstract
Postpartum mental health conditions are common and can have devastating effects for both mother and infant. Adverse birth outcomes increase the risk of postnatal mental health conditions. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common adverse pregnancy outcome that may be a risk factor for postnatal mental health conditions. There are many studies reporting associations between PFD and postnatal mental health conditions, but no reports have synthesised the current literature as it relates to pregnancy and the postpartum period.
A research librarian conducted systematic literature searches using terms concerning PFD, postnatal mental health conditions, and pregnancy. Searches were conducted within PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus. Two reviewers independently rated each study for inclusion and study quality. No studies were excluded based on quality.
A total of 47 studies were included for review. Articles addressed sexual dysfunction (
= 11), incontinence (
= 21), perineal laceration (
= 13), pelvic organ prolapse (
= 2), and general pelvic floor symptoms (
= 2) and associations with postnatal mental health conditions. Two articles addressed more than one type of PFD. The majority (44 studies) reported associations between PFD and adverse postnatal mental health conditions.
Most studies included for review found consistent associations between PFD and adverse mental health conditions. Healthcare providers should screen for PFD and postnatal mental health conditions early in the postpartum period. Future research should investigate whether the treatment of PFD can modify the associations between PFD and postnatal mental health conditions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Associations of pelvic floor dysfunction and postnatal mental health: a systematic review
- Creators
- Lisa VanWiel - Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USAMackenzie Unke - University of IowaRiley J Samuelson - University of IowaKara M Whitaker - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of reproductive and infant psychology, Vol.43(4), pp.958-979
- DOI
- 10.1080/02646838.2024.2314720
- PMID
- 38357811
- NLM abbreviation
- J Reprod Infant Psychol
- eISSN
- 1469-672X
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 02/15/2024
- Date published
- 08/08/2025
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Hardin Library; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984559878702771
Metrics
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