Factors Associated with Urinary Incontinence During Pregnancy: Clinical, Obstetric, and Metabolic Analysis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urogynecology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition during pregnancy, affecting pelvic floor function.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic alteration that may influence pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Existing literature has gaps regarding the specific factors contributing to UI in pregnant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between clinical, obstetric, and metabolic factors and the presence of UI in pregnant women.
• To compare UI prevalence and severity in pregnant women with and without GDM.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 417 high-risk pregnant women.
• Participants were categorized into a GDM group (n=217) and a non-GDM group (n=200).
• UI presence and severity were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF); data analyzed via multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in UI frequency or severity was found between GDM and non-GDM groups (p=0.36).
• Multiparity emerged as the sole independent predictor of UI, with each additional pregnancy increasing occurrence probability by approximately 20% (OR 1.20; p=0.02).
• GDM showed no significant association with UI (OR 1.46; p=0.08).

Conclusions:

• Biomechanical changes from repeated pregnancies are more strongly associated with UI than GDM.
• UI screening, prevention, and treatment should prioritize multiparous women to maintain pelvic floor health.
• Further research may explore the complex interplay of factors influencing pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy.