Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy-Specific Urinary Incontinence: Findings from the Diamater Cohort Study

Abstract

<b>Introduction and Hypothesis:</b> Pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PS-UI) is defined as any onset of new urinary leakage during pregnancy. The study aims to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of PS-UI. We hypothesized that demographic and clinical factors, including Gestational Diabetes, may contribute to the development of PS-UI. <b>Methods:</b> We recruited pregnant women from the Diamater cohort study. We evaluated the maternal characteristics, demographics, anthropometrics, hyperglycemic status, and the PS-UI occurrence. A logistic regression model was performed considering the clinical variables to determine the predictive factors for PS-UI occurrence. <b>Results:</b> PS-UI was prevalent in 62.1% of women. Among these, 58.85% began leaking urine between 24-28 gestational weeks. Additionally, 51% developed PS-UI at the end of pregnancy. The pregestational BMI is a risk factor for PS-UI, and physical activity is a protective factor that halves the risk of PS-UI developing. <b>Conclusions:</b> Weight management and encouragement to engage in physical activity during pregnancy should be emphasized in prenatal care to reduce the risk of PS-UI. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the impact of the association due to UI later in life.