Childbirth-induced trauma to the urethral continence mechanism: review and recommendations.

To summarize the literature on immediate pelvic floor damage from childbirth and episiotomy, a MEDLINE search of English language articles published from 1983 to 2001 was performed. Vaginal delivery causes varying degrees of muscular, neuromuscular, and connective tissue damage. This damage may result in urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Routine midline episiotomy increases the risk of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations, which may lead to fecal incontinence. Routine use of mediolateral episiotomy does not prevent urinary incontinence (UI) or severe perineal tears. It is possible to reduce the rate of mediolateral episiotomy to as low as 20% in primiparas without increasing the risk of anal sphincter damage. Control of obesity before delivery, as well as pelvic floor exercises and regular physical exercise both before and after delivery, seem to reduce the risk of postpartum UI.