| Characteristics of the pelvic floor during pregnancy by 2D and 3D ultrasound. |
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Hye Ri Hong, Geum Joon Cho, Ae Ra Kang, Hye Mi Jin, Yung Taek Ouh, Min Jeong Oh, Hai Joong Kim |
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mjohmd@korea.ac.kr
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological characteristics of the pelvic floor in pregnant women using 2- and 3-dimensional (D)-transperineal ultrasound and compare our findings with findings in non-pregnant women. METHODS: This case-control study included 40 nulliparous pregnant women at term and 28 nulliparous, non-pregnant women (age-matched). The 2D- and 3D-transperineal ultrasounds were carried out in the semi-supine position, after voiding, at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver. Various biometric parameters related to characteristics of the pelvic floor were measured. RESULTS: Satisfactory biometric measurements were obtained in all cases. The mean thickness of the levator ani muscle was significantly greater in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (P<0.05). The mean levator hiatus angle and transverse diameter of the levator hiatus were significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (P<0.05). The anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus was not significantly different between pregnant women and non-pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women had significantly thicker the levator ani muscles but smaller hiatal areas, as measured by the levator hiatus angle and transverse diameter, than did non-pregnant women. Pregnancy itself may cause morphological changes to the pelvic floor to support the birth canal by closing the lower end of the pelvic cavity as a diaphragm. Further studies are needed to evaluate morphologic changes of the pelvic floor following delivery as measured by 2D and 3D-transperineal ultrasound. |
| Key Words:
Ultrasonography, Pregnant, Pelvic floor |
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