A prospective clinical and urodynamic study of bladder function during andafter pregnancy

The aim of the study was to determine whether clinical and/or urodynamic ch anges in bladder function occur during pregnancy. Assessment consisted of a urinary symptom questionnaire, urogynecological examination and urodynamic investigations, which were repeated 6 weeks after pregnancy. Sixty-six pat ients had the initial and 40 the follow-up assessments. Statistical analysi s was done by 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Nocturia, frequency, dysur ia, urgency and stress incontinence occurred significantly more frequently during pregnancy. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 18% of patients during pregnancy and asymptomatic bacteriuria in 9%. Genuine stress inconti nence was diagnosed in 12% during pregnancy and in none after pregnancy (95 % CI 1% to 24%). An unstable detrusor was diagnosed in 23% of patients duri ng pregnancy and in 15% after pregnancy (95% CI -8% to 23%). Strong desire to void, urgency, maximum cystometric capacity, maximum flow rate and avera ge flow rate were all statistically significantly decreased during pregnanc y. It is concluded that significant changes occur in bladder function durin g pregnancy.