Overactive bladder symptons in pregnancy and puerpery: Is there a relationship between the symptoms score and quality of life?

Abstract Introduction and objective During pregnancy, hormonal change, increase in the body mass index and the pressure caused by the enlarged uterus over the bladder and pelvic floor, are some factors involved in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study was made to evaluate the correlation between pregnancy and delivery route with LUTS. Material and method This open prospective study was carried out using the overactive bladder questionnaire short form (OABq-SF). A total of 60 patients enrolled this study. The mean age was 24 years, ranging from 14 to 40 years. The patients were evaluated during the third trimester and 6 months after delivery. Statistical analysis of the OABq-SF scores was made using the Pearson method. Results Mean OABq-SF score during pregnancy was 35.2 which 6 months after delivery decreased to 15. Quality of life was 82.9 during pregnancy and increased to 88.4 at 6 months after delivery. Patient's perception, that is correlation, was 55.02 (p = 0.0001) during pregnancy and 36.1% (p = 0.0046) during puerpery. Clinical correlation index was 6.7%. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that in spite of LUTS being more important during pregnancy, there is no significant clinical correlation in patient's perception.