Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy. Patients were assessed within 24–48 hours postpartum. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from records. Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Urinary Distress Inventory– 6 (UDI-6) scales were administered. In this cross-sectional study, UI was identified in 43.7% of participants (n = 206). The third trimester was the most common period for UI onset (35.9%). Mean ICIQ-SF and UDI-6 scores varied by trimester (ICIQ-SF: 8.80, 6.27, and 6.93; UDI-6: 44.44, 35.86, and 39.41, respectively; p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, parity was identified as an independent variable (aOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.01–1.95; p = 0.046), and caffeine intake showed a borderline association (aOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 0.99–9.33; p = 0.052). UI affected nearly half of pregnant women in this cohort, with most cases occurring in late gestation. These findings support routine antenatal screening and counselling for pelvic floor symptoms.

Key words: Urinary incontinence, pregnancy, Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, Urinary Distress Inventory– 6