Factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence from pregnancy to 2 years post partum

ObjectiveTo identify factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from pregnancy to 2 years post partum.MethodIn a longitudinal study at Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain, 458 primigravid women were recruited from April to October 2007. SUI was diagnosed via the 2002 International Continence Society definition. Severity was assessed via the Incontinence Severity Index, and impact on quality of life via the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. Means (Student t test and analysis of variance) and percentages (χ2 and Fisher exact tests) were compared, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with variables that were significant or close to significant in a univariate analysis (P < 0.2).ResultsAmong 272 eligible women attending follow-up at 2 years post partum, 26 (9.5%) women reported persistent SUI since pregnancy. Incontinence severity was slight or moderate in most cases and the impact on quality of life was low. A higher body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women at term was the only factor found to be associated with persistent SUI (odds ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.32).ConclusionHigher BMI in pregnant women at term was an independent risk factor for the persistence of SUI from pregnancy to 2 years post partum.