Postpartum evaluation of stress urinary incontinence among primiparas

To assess the prevalence of postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI); the relationship between postpartum SUI and mode of delivery; and the association between SUI and other obstetric factors.

In this prospective study, 1000 primiparas with no history of UI were recruited and followed up for 4 months after delivery. The chi(2) and Fisher's Exact tests were used to calculate the effects of the nominal variables.

The prevalence of postpartum SUI was 14.1%, and the mode of delivery was significantly associated with SUI. The prevalence rates were 15.9% after vaginal delivery, 10.7% after elective cesarean section (CS), and 25% after CS performed for obstructed labor. The prevalence of postpartum SUI was similar following spontaneous vaginal delivery and CS performed for obstructed labor (P=.21). Meanwhile, elective CS with no trial of labor was found to be associated with a significantly lower prevalence of postpartum SUI (P=.01; chi(2)=12.42). A maternal body mass index greater than 30 before pregnancy and fetal weight higher than 3000 g appeared to be associated with an increased rate of SUI (P=.001; chi(2)=17.6 and P=.000; chi(2)=22.5, respectively).

Elective CS significantly reduced the rate of postpartum SUI.