Publication:

Prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence in pregnant women during late third trimester

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary urinary leakage by the International continence society (ICS). The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in pregnant women in late third trimester.

Methods A questionnaire based survey done on 400 pregnant women in third trimester beyond 34 weeks of gestation. A pretested, semi structured questionnaire was used to enquire about demographic and personal information regarding age, parity, education, occupation, type of delivery, weight, height, smoking, constipation and coffee consumption, regular physical activities, family history of UI, history of UI pre-pregnancy and during the previous pregnancy. Detailed history was taken regarding urgency, urge urinary incontinence (UUI), nocturia, bed wetting, dysuria, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and sensation of incomplete emptying.

Results Prevalence of urinary incontinence was found to be 75.25%. Majority (72.7%) of the women complained of stress urinary continence. History of urinary tract infection was present in 35.75 % of women during pregnancy. 81.25% complained of increased frequency and 89% complained of nocturia. Significant association was found between the urinary incontinence and pregnancy (p=0), multiparity (p=.007) and smoking (p=0).

Conclusions High prevalence of UI among apparently healthy women. Major risk factors were urinary tract infection, sedentary lifestyle, constipation, multiparity and smoking.