Risk Factors for Gestational Stress Urinary Incontinence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Women's Health
• Urogynecology

Background:

• Gestational stress urinary incontinence (GSUI) significantly impacts pregnant women's physical health and quality of life.
• Addressing GSUI is crucial for effective obstetric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze factors associated with gestational stress urinary incontinence (GSUI).
• To identify key risk factors and protective measures for GSUI in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed in major Chinese and English databases (e.g., PubMed, Embase, WanFang).
• Included studies were cohort and cross-sectional designs focusing on GSUI in pregnant populations.
• Review articles and conference papers were excluded.

Main Results:

• Twenty studies were included in the analysis.
• Univariate analysis identified previous vaginal delivery, parity, miscarriage, large infant birth weight, advanced maternal age, constipation, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and multiple gravidity as influencing factors.
• Multivariate analysis highlighted previous vaginal delivery, parity, large infant birth weight, maternal age, constipation, PFMT, pre-pregnancy BMI, and gestational age as significant factors.

Conclusions:

• Previous vaginal delivery, constipation during pregnancy, and delivering an infant weighing over 4kg are identified as primary risk factors for GSUI.
• Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) demonstrates a significant protective effect against GSUI.
• Integrating preventive strategies, particularly PFMT, into antenatal care is recommended to mitigate GSUI incidence.