Evaluation of urinary incontinence in pregnancy and postpartum in Curitiba Mothers Program: a prospective study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), the pelvic floor, and the quality of life during pregnancy and in the postpartum.

Methods: Three hundred and forty-three women in the third trimester of pregnancy were submitted to physiotherapeutic evaluation for UI and evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function and were asked to fill out the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Of these, 236 returned for postpartum evaluation (65.31 ± 22.63 days).

Results: The prevalence of UI was 30.61% during pregnancy and 6.78% postpartum (p < 0.001), with mean vaginal pressure of 3.60 ± 5.35 and 2.56 ± 3.24 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.008). UI was associated with multiparity (p = 0.028). No associations were found between intrapartum variables and UI.

Conclusions: UI and vaginal pressure decreased in the postpartum. UI was found to be associated with multiparity. Results of the KHQ indicated impaired quality of life in the symptoms and domains evaluated.