Impact of vaginal delivery on pelvic floor musculature in terms of clinical and elastographic changes

Background: Vaginal delivery imposes considerable strain on pelvic floor musculature, often resulting in structural and functional changes that may contribute to postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). This study aimed to assess clinical and elastographic changes in pelvic muscle tone following vaginal delivery. To evaluate the recovery of pelvic floor muscle tone through clinical grading and shear wave elastography (SWE) in primigravida women post vaginal delivery and to correlate both assessment modalities. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at TMMCRC. Primigravida women with vaginal deliveries were enrolled. Clinical tone (Oxford scale) and elastographic stiffness (kPa) were assessed pre-delivery, 48 hours, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with correlations tested with Kappa statistics. Results: The mean age of participants was 24.4±2.8 years and 64% were overweight (BMI>25 kg/m²). Most had a second stage of labor