An Observational Study of Identifying Risk Factor Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Pregnant Women

Abstract Introduction: Many women experience lower urinary tract symptoms during pregnancy, which can be distressing and disabling. The prevalence of these symptoms varies widely depending on the terminologies and definitions used in relation to lower urinary tract complaints, as well as the study population and design. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, in a tertiary care institute located in central India, over a period of 12 months.300 patients who having lower urinary tract symptoms were studied to asses or identified risk factor for LUTS. Data was studied and statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of storage symptoms was more than those of urinary incontinence (UI) and voiding symptoms. Among LUTS, Frequent urination and Pain/ discomfort in lower abdomen were the most common symptom ranging from mild to severe reported by 96%(288) and 94.6%(284) subjects respectively. Leakage related to physical activity (stress) was reported by 56.66% whereas leakage of few drops on cough, sneezing was reported by 40% subject showing stress predominant incontinence in pregnant women. The total median scores from the UDI-6 increased with gestational week, and statistical significant difference was identified (p<0.05). According to the results of the linear regression analysis, daily coffee consumption, smoking, multiparity, mode of delivery, high BMI, maternal age, were found to be significant associated with the mean score of UDI-6 in pregnant women. Conclusions: LUTS were found to be common among pregnant adolescents, with storage symptoms being the most frequently reported. Education and awareness should be raised about LUTS in pregnant women, allowing proper evaluation and counselling for this complain.