Overview:
Although pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) are crucial in reproductive health, postpartum women’s knowledge of their significance during pregnancy, birth, postpartum and appropriate exercises remains inconsistent.

Aims and Objectives:
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess postpartum women’s awareness of PFM functions, impact on childbirth, and the importance of strengthening exercises.

Method:
A quantitative cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire. Respondents were postpartum women. It covered socio-demographic data, PFMs in pregnancy and childbirth, postpartum aspects, and Kegel, perineal massage, incontinence, and general PFM awareness.

Results:
Majority of participants recognized PFM importance in pregnancy, most agreed that Kegels can reduce urinary incontinence (UI) (86.1%). Most (80,3%) believed PFMs facilitate childbirth, although nearly half (48,2%) were unaware that overly tense PFMs could prolong labor. More than half (53.3%) women had little to no knowledge of breathing and PFMs connection during childbirth. More than half (58%) did not receive any recommendation to perform PFM exercises during antenatal care. 51% lacked postpartum exercise knowledge and nearly 45% never performed them at all. UI emerged as the most common pregnancy- related complication (21.2%), persisting postpartum (36.4%). Majority (97%) endorsed mandatory prenatal PFM training. No significant difference emerged between the number of births and postpartum exercise knowledge. More than half of the women were either unsure how to identify PFM tension or did not understand its meaning.

Conclusion:
Study findings underscore a strong overall awareness of PFM significance among postpartum women, yet highlight notable gaps in practical knowledge and exercise habits. Despite recognizing the role of PFMs in pregnancy and childbirth many respondents did not continue exercises postpartum, suggesting a need for more structured guidance. Providing PFM strengthening sessions in antenatal programs may help reduce complications and improve long-term maternal health outcomes.