Prevalence and variables associated with UI in pregnant women: review

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition in pregnant women, with pregnancy being the main aggravating factor for UI. Aims: To identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence in the third trimester of pregnancy and its associated factors. Method: Integrative review in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) and Google Scholar databases, with data collection carried out from April to October 2022; between the chronological period of publications from 2017 to 2022. Results: It was possible to observe that urinary incontinence is more prevalent in the third trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, maternal age, number of births, vaginal births and obesity were the most present variables as well. It showed that physiotherapy is beneficial and efficient in relation to the treatment and prevention of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, using techniques and resources that restore and improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Conclusion: UI is more prevalent in the third trimester, with vaginal birth and obesity being risk factors. Pelvic Physiotherapy can prevent and treat gestational UI.