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International Urogynecology Journal

Published in:

01-11-2017 | Original Article

Pelvic floor symptoms and quality of life changes during first pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Rebecca G. Rogers, Cara Ninivaggio, Kelly Gallagher, A. Noelle Borders, Clifford Qualls, Lawrence M. Leeman

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 11/2017

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We describe pelvic floor function in nulliparous pregnant women.

Materials and methods

Nulliparous midwifery patients completed the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), Wexner Fecal Incontinence Scale (W), and answered questions about sexual activity and perineal pain at baseline during the first (T1), second (T2), or third trimester (T3) and repeated in late T3. They also underwent a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam at their baseline visit. Data were compared across trimesters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression accounted for repeated measures and was controlled for age and education.

Results

We recruited 627 women. In T1, 124 women gave baseline data and completed questionnaires; in T2, 403; and in early T3, 96 (496 repeated questionnaires in later T3). Besides an increase in genital hiatus and perineal body (all adjusted p < .05), physical exam measures did not differ between trimesters. As pregnancy progressed, urinary incontinence (UI) (T1 = 33, T2 = 44, T3 = 69% women with ISI >0, all comparisons p < .02) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores increased. Fecal incontinence (FI) increased (T1 = 8, T2 = 15, T3 = 16% from T2 to T3, p = .04); the Colorectal–Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ-7) scores did not. Perineal pain increased (T1 = 17, T2 = 18 and T3 = 40%, all adjusted p < .001), and sexual activity decreased (T1 = 94, T2 = 90, T3 = 77% sexually active, T1 vs T3 and T2 vs T3, p < .001) as pregnancy progressed.

Conclusions

During pregnancy, women experience worsening UI, FI, and perineal pain. UI symptoms are associated with a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Sexual activity decreased and POP-Q stage did not change.

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Title: Pelvic floor symptoms and quality of life changes during first pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rebecca G. Rogers
Cara Ninivaggio
Kelly Gallagher
A. Noelle Borders
Clifford Qualls
Lawrence M. Leeman
Publication date: 01-11-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 11/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3330-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Pelvic floor symptoms and quality of life changes during first pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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