# Preferences for postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation among pregnant women

## TL;DR

This study explores what pregnant women prefer in postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, focusing on factors like side effects, cost, and treatment settings.

## Contribution

The study identifies key factors influencing pregnant women's preferences for postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation using a discrete choice experiment.

## Key findings

- Risk of side effects was the most important factor influencing women's choices for rehabilitation.
- Women preferred outpatient settings, qualified professionals, and 30-minute sessions.
- Costs under CNY ¥1,000 and mild side effects were highly valued in treatment options.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the preferences of pregnant women for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation following childbirth.

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from June 2025 to August 2025 using convenience sampling. Pregnant women attending the First People’s Hospital of Zunyi were recruited to rate their preferences for postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation treatments using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The preferred attributes included rehabilitation techniques, rehabilitation costs, single-treatment duration, risk of side effects, rehabilitation locations, and operators. A mixed logit model was constructed using Python 3.11.7 software for preference analysis.

A total of 693 questionnaires were distributed, of which 670 valid responses were retrieved, yielding an effective response rate of 96.6%. The results indicated that rehabilitation techniques, rehabilitation costs, single-treatment duration, risk of side effects, rehabilitation settings, and service providers significantly influenced postpartum women’s preferences for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation (p < 0.05). Among these factors, the risk of side effects was the most important determinant of pregnant women’s choice of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, followed by rehabilitation settings.

Pregnant women prefer electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy, with key preferences including costs under CNY ¥1,000, mild side effects, outpatient settings, qualified professionals, and 30-min sessions. To meet these needs, efforts should extend beyond individual departments to involve hospitals, health authorities, and community resources. The focus should be on reducing side effects and costs, enhancing treatment convenience, and developing personalized plans. This integrated approach will optimize resource allocation and improve access to effective rehabilitation services for postpartum women.