Overactive Bladder in Late Pregnancy to 1 Year After First Vaginal Delivery

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition impacting many women.
• Understanding OAB during pregnancy and postpartum is crucial for improving knowledge of its pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and severity of overactive bladder (OAB) in primiparous women from the third trimester of pregnancy through one year postpartum.
• To identify factors associated with OAB during this period.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study involving 579 primiparous women.
• OAB assessed in the third trimester, 8 weeks postpartum, and 1 year postpartum using standardized definitions and the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire.
• Logistic regression used to evaluate associations with OAB.

Main Results:

• OAB prevalence was 18% in the third trimester, increasing to 23% at 8 weeks postpartum, and remaining at 19% at 1 year postpartum.
• OAB severity was highest in the third trimester, decreasing postpartum, but urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) severity increased by 1 year postpartum.
• Factors associated with postpartum OAB included older age, urinary tract infection, and higher birth weight (≥3,500 g).

Conclusions:

• Overactive bladder affects approximately 20% of primiparous women during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Increased UUI severity and the link between higher birth weight and OAB postpartum suggest a significant impact of the delivery process.