First-time mothers’ knowledge of pelvic floor muscle training and postnatal follow-up of pelvic floor function

Method: A cross-sectional study with data collected anonymously via an online questionnaire.First-time mothers aged 18 years who gave birth in Norway between 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2023 were included (n = 1093 .Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson' s chi-square test.Results: Only 40% of respondents reported receiving information on PFMT during pregnancy or the postnatal hospital stay, and only 30% discussed PFMT at the postnatal check-up.Women received inconsistent information on PFMT and follow-up regarding pelvic floor function during pregnancy, the postnatal hospital stay and at the postnatal check-up.Participants indicated that the postnatal check-up focused mainly on sexual health and contraception, with few receiving information on pelvic floor-related issues.A substantial proportion of women felt that the information provided as part of their antenatal and postnatal care was inadequate to perform PFMT unsupervised.Conclusion: Few women reported receiving information on PFMT during pregnancy or the postnatal hospital stay or at the postnatal check-up.Although many acquired knowledge independently and attended postnatal consultations, few sought further follow-up from healthcare personnel.These findings highlight the need for better postnatal follow-up of pelvic floor function.