Increased Detrusor Thickness and Reduced Uterocervical Angle as Novel Predictors of De Novo Urinary Incontinence in...

This study is aimed at identifying the risk factors for de novo urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy.

This cross-sectional study included 350 pregnant women attending prenatal clinics at a tertiary care center. Women with a history of UI or lower urinary tract disorders were excluded. Data collection included demographics, obstetric history, ultrasound assessments (detrusor thickness, uterocervical angle), and laboratory parameters. UI was diagnosed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors.

De novo UI was reported by 21.4% (n = 75) of participants. Women in the UI group had higher body mass index (28.1 ± 4.0 kg/m² vs 26.8 ± 3.9 kg/m², p = 0.048) and detrusor thickness (3.3 ± 0.6 mm vs 3.0 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.041), and a lower uterocervical angle (95.6 ± 15.3° vs 101.3 ± 14.6°, p = 0.043) compared with the non-UI group. Multivariate analysis identified increased detrusor thickness (odds ratio [OR] 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.19-6.88; p = 0.03) and decreased uterocervical angle (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.14-1.82; p = 0.04) as independent risk factors for de novo UI.

Increased detrusor thickness and decreased uterocervical angle during pregnancy are associated with the development of de novo UI. Incorporating these anatomical parameters into routine prenatal ultrasound assessments may facilitate early identification of at-risk women and allow for the implementation of preventive strategies.