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The Prevalence and Factors Relating to Stress Incontinence in Pregnancy and Childbirth
This longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of stress incontinence amongst women during pregnancy, early post partum (six weeks), and the late post partum period (six months), and identify determinants of the disappearance or persistence of stress incontinence after childbirth. Also considered were the obstetric variables predictive of an onset of urinary stress incontinence post partum. The research team utilised a self-administered questionnaire and State-based Midwife Notification data with women recruited from public and private maternity hospitals, and private obstetricians and GPs, in Perth and Melbourne.
Urinary incontinence in pregnancy was reported by 79% of 736 women participating in the study at 36 weeks gestation, with most experiencing stress incontinence. Mixed incontinence, i.e. symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence, were present in 40% of participants. Of the 432 women who remained in the study at six months post delivery, the level of stress incontinence had reduced to 21%.
If you would like a copy of this report please contact continence@health.gov.au
References
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners WA Research Unit (2003). Stress Incontinence in Pregnancy. Final Report prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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Page last updated 23 Dec 2008