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Association Between Bladder Descent Angle and Urinary Incontinence Subtypes During the Perinatal Period: A
Ryoko Minami1, Hirochika Ryuno2, Akihiro Kawauchi3
1Graduate School of Nursing, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) measured bladder descent angle (BDA) is linked to perinatal urinary incontinence (UI), particularly stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, BDA has limited predictive power for postpartum UI.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue during the perinatal period.
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent subtype of UI.
- Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is a non-invasive imaging technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between bladder descent angle (BDA) and UI subtypes.
- To determine if BDA measured by TPUS can predict postpartum UI and SUI.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of pregnant women at ≥36 weeks gestation.
- UI assessed using ICIQ-SF; BDA measured via TPUS.
- Statistical analyses included ROC analysis and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- UI prevalence was 67.0% in late pregnancy and 23.0% postpartum, with SUI being most common.
- Higher BDA was observed in women with UI compared to controls, both in late pregnancy and postpartum.
- BDA showed a trend towards association with SUI but had limited predictive ability for postpartum UI.
Conclusions:
- BDA measured by TPUS is associated with perinatal UI and may indicate pelvic floor structural vulnerability.
- BDA's predictive value for postpartum UI and SUI is limited.
- Further research may explore BDA's role in understanding pelvic floor dysfunction.