A Comparison of Vaginal Pressures and Abdominal Muscle Thickness According to Childbirth Delivery Method during the Valsalva Maneuver

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of childbirth deliverymethod on vaginal pressure and abdominal thickness during the Valsalva maneuver (VAL).[Subjects] Thirty healthy female volunteers (26–39 years of age) were selected for thisresearch. Their delivery histories were: nulliparous 10, vaginal delivery 10, and Cesareandelivery 10. None of the participants had a history of incontinence. [Methods] In thecrook-lying position, a perineometer probe was inserted into the vagina and the transducerwas placed transversely on the right side of the body during the Valsalva maneuver.[Results] There were significant differences in the thickness of the transverses abdominis(TrA) between in all the groups rest and the Valsalva maneuver, and there were significantdifferences in the internus oblique (IO) in the nulliparous group. During the Valsalvamaneuver, there were significant differences in the TrA between the nulliparous group andthe vaginal delivery group, and there were significant differences in the IO between thenulliparous delivery group and the vaginal delivery group, and between the nulliparousgroup and the Cesarean section group. Delivery history changed vaginal pressure, and therewere significant differences between the nulliparous group and the vaginal delivery group,and between the nulliparous group and the Cesarean delivery group. [Conclusion] Pregnancyand delivery method may affect pelvic floor and abdominal muscles during the Valsalvamaneuver.Key words: Ultrasound image, Valsalva maneuver, Vaginal pressure