Effect of the Delivery Mode on Pelvic Floor Function and Coping With Birth-Related Pain and Fear: A Prospective Survey Six Months Postpartum

Background and objective Delivering a baby is one of the most decisive events in a woman`s life and brings along psychological and physical challenges. Therefore, the question arises: which mode of delivery is the best for the woman’s health and her future life? The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the delivery mode on pelvic floor function and coping with birth-related pain and fear six months postpartum. Materials and methods A total of 200 primiparous women, who delivered during 2018-2019, were included in this prospective case-control study and were asked to fill out the “Pelvic floor questionnaire for pregnant women and women after childbirth” six months after delivery. The women were separated into the following groups: spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 113), operative vaginal delivery (n = 44), and cesarean section (n = 41). The pelvic floor function as well as coping with birth-related pain and fear six months after delivery was compared. Results A significantly higher body mass index was found in the cesarean section group. A significantly worse bladder score was shown in the group with an operative vaginal delivery (p = 0.006). The total score of the questionnaire as well as the anal, prolapse, and sexual subscores showed no difference between the delivery modes. Concerning coping with birth-related pain and fear postpartum, significant differences could be seen between the modes of delivery (pain: p < 0.001; fear: p < 0.001). Women with spontaneous vaginal delivery showed better coping with pain and fear postpartum. Conclusion It must be highlighted that women who have had a surgical delivery, including the operative vaginal delivery and cesarean section, stated a lower coping with birth-related pain and fear. This study showed that an operative vaginal delivery has a negative influence on bladder function and the use should be well-indicated. Obstetricians should always be aware of this, as they can contribute to better coping. It is essential to give women the opportunity to talk about the delivery and individual experiences both in pre- and postnatal situations.