Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Quality of Life in Third-Trimester Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common during pregnancy and may adversely affect daily functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of LUTS on quality of life among women in the third trimester. Methods This descriptive study was conducted in the obstetric outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Long Form (ICIQ-FLUTS LF), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Quality of Life (ICIQ-LUTSqol). Results The mean age of the participants was 28.71 +/- 5.50 years, and the mean gestational age was 34.00 +/- 3.32 weeks. Nearly half of the women were primiparous, and 39% had completed primary education. The mean scores of the ICIQ-LUTSqol and ICIQ-FLUTS LF were 32.54 +/- 12.21 and 11.87 +/- 8.58, respectively. According to the ICIQ-FLUTS LF, nocturia was the most bothersome symptom (mean score 4.03), while enuresis was the least bothersome (mean score 0.25). Concerns related to unpleasant odor and clothing issues were identified as the most distressing quality-of-life problems (both mean scores 3.37). A very strong positive correlation was observed between ICIQ-FLUTS LF and ICIQ-LUTSqol scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions LUTS are common in late pregnancy and are associated with poorer quality of life. These findings support the importance of symptom assessment during prenatal care and suggest that women with greater symptom burden may benefit from individualized evaluation and management.