ABSTRACT
Urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction-the
major disorders of the female pelvic floor-are associated with a substantial public health
burden. And for many women, pregnancy, labor, and delivery represent the most important
physiological events predisposing to these conditions. Although many aspects of obstetrical
pelvic floor injury have yet to be fully understood, our knowledge of etiological mechanisms and
epidemiological risk factors has markedly expanded over the past several years. This chapter
will explore the effects of pregnancy and childbirth on the pelvic floor, and the impact of
obstetrical events on these prevalent postreproductive disorders.
