Is antenatal bladder neck mobility a risk factor for postpartum stress incontinence?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the contribution of constitutional factors, as demonstrated by antenatal bladder neck mobility, in the development of postpartum urinary stress incontinence.

DESIGN

A prospective investigational study.

SETTING

General district hospital.

POPULATION: One hundred and three primigravid women with no pre-existing urinary incontinence or neurological disorder.

METHODS

Antenatal and postnatal measurement of bladder neck mobility using perineal ultrasound.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Urinary stress incontinence at 10-14 weeks postpartum.

RESULTS

Women with postpartum urinary stress incontinence have significantly greater antenatal bladder neck mobility than those women continent postpartum. There were no significant differences in any labour or delivery variables, including mode of delivery, between the postpartum continent and incontinent women.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence for a constitutional risk factor (eg, defective pelvic floor connective tissue in the development of postpartum stress incontinence).