Introduction and hypothesis: We examined obstetric and maternal-newborn factors and UI history for stress urinary incontinence (UI) and urge UI during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
Methods: This prospective cohort study included 1447 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations and completed an Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form before pregnancy, during early, mid- and late pregnancy, and at five visits during the first year postpartum. Data were analyzed using univariate/multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analyses.
Results: The prevalence rates of stress UI during late pregnancy (42.5%) and urge UI at 3-5 days postpartum (10.4%) were the highest throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum. After adjusting for covariates, gestational age increased the risks of stress UI (p < 0.001) and urge UI (p = 0.003); stress UI during pre-pregnancy, number of previous vaginal deliveries and concurrent high body mass index (BMI) increased stress UI (all p < 0.05); urge UI during pre-pregnancy and full-time work increased urge UI (both p < 0.05) during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, vaginal delivery increased stress UI (p < 0.001) and urge UI (p = 0.041); stress UI during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy, women aged ≥ 30 years and vacuum extraction/forceps delivery increased stress UI (all p < 0.05). Urge UI during early, mid- and late pregnancy increased stress UI (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Gestational age increased stress and urge UI, while previous vaginal deliveries and high BMI increased stress UI; full-time work increased urge UI during pregnancy. Vaginal delivery increased both UIs, and vacuum/forceps delivery and maternal age increased stress UI during postpartum.
Keywords: Childbirth; Pregnancy; Stress UI; Urge UI; Urinary incontinence.
© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.