Remarks

• In this context, PFMT refers to the performance of repeated voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, according to a protocol that outlines the frequency (one or more sets of exercises per day), intensity and progression of exercises, as well as the duration of the training period (e.g. at least several days of the week, for at least eight weeks) and may include maintenance pelvic floor muscle exercises after initial training.
• While PFMT started after childbirth is not recommended as a preventive measure, women with involuntary loss of small volumes of urine (urinary stress incontinence) after childbirth should be advised of the potential benefits of PFMT for treatment of urinary incontinence. For these women, in the absence of stronger evidence, the Guideline Development Group (GDG) agreed that unsupervised pelvic floor exercises performed at home may be beneficial and are unlikely to cause harmful effects. Pelvic floor muscle exercises may also positively affect sexual function in the postnatal period and promote self-care.
• All women should be informed during pregnancy and postnatally about potential pelvic floor problems, including urinary or faecal incontinence after childbirth.
• The GDG recognized that the effects of PFMT started in early pregnancy for pregnant women who do not have incontinence were not evaluated during the guideline process