A prospective clinical and urodynamic study of bladder function during and after pregnancy

The aim of the study was to determine whether clinical and/or urodynamic changes in bladder function occur during pregnancy. Assessment consisted of a urinary symptom questionnaire, urogynecological examination and urodynamic investigations, which were repeated 6 weeks after pregnancy. Sixty-six patients had the initial and 40 the follow-up assessments. Statistical analysis was done by 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Nocturia, frequency, dysuria, urgency and stress incontinence occurred significantly more frequently during pregnancy. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 18% of patients during pregnancy and asymptomatic bacteriuria in 9%. Genuine stress incontinence was diagnosed in 12% during pregnancy and in none after pregnancy (95% CI 1% to 24%). An unstable detrusor was diagnosed in 23% of patients during pregnancy and in 15% after pregnancy (95% CI -8% to 23%). Strong desire to void, urgency, maximum cystometric capacity, maximum flow rate and average flow rate were all statistically significantly decreased during pregnancy. It is concluded that significant changes occur in bladder function during pregnancy.