Lower urinary tract symptoms in late pregnancy: A cross-sectional study and narrative review

To evaluate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their effect on quality of life (QoL) among women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at 28-41 weeks of gestation. The online Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was used to assess LUTS. Additionally, a literature review was conducted to identify the prevalence range of LUTS in late pregnancy.

Data from 334 participants, with a mean age of 28.9 ± 6.4 years and a median gestational age of 36 weeks (IQR: 33-39) were analyzed. Among storage symptoms, nocturia was the most frequently reported symptom, affecting 198 women (59.3 %), followed by urinary frequency in 122 (36.5 %), urgency in 68 (20.4 %), and bladder pain in 52 (15.6 %). Regarding incontinence symptoms, 47 women (14.1 %) reported stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Nocturia exhibited the greatest severity and the most significant negative impact on QoL. Maternal age greater than 35 years and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² were significantly associated with the development of SUI (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). Descriptive analysis of 23 studies revealed prevalence ranges of LUTS in late pregnancy as follows: nocturia (6.9 % to 97.4 %), urinary frequency (22.9 % to 80.9 %), urgency (2.2 % to 83.4 %), and SUI (5.8 % to 72.9 %).

LUTS are prevalent during late pregnancy and adversely impact QoL. We recommend routine assessment and management of LUTS through lifestyle modifications to enhance QoL among pregnant women.