Pregnancy, Intrapartum and Postpartum Period in the Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a problem that can severely limit the social, emotional and sexual being of the women. Urinary incontinence is more common in females than males. Pregnancy, parity, vaginal birth, episiotomy, third degree tears and pelvic floor damage, large babies, obesity have long been considered as risk factors in urinary incontinence. Lower urinary tract symptom and urinary incontinence in particular are common during pregnancy and increase with increasing gestation until term. After delivery, the symptoms promptly decrease. However, fewer women can develop postpartum permanent stres urinary incontinence. The use of pelvic floor exercises is the main nonsurgical treatment for pregnant women and childbird women with mild to moderate urinary incontinence. Prevention and treatment of the urinary incontinence vequire a multidisciplinary team approach. Being on indispensable member of such a team, nurse assumes important roles as carer counselor, educator and researcher during pregnancy and postpartum periods.