Frequency of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms during Pregnancy

Objective: To detect the frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of obs & Gynae out patient department BVH Bahawalpur Design: Cross sectional study Place and duration of study: This study was carried out at Gynae Out Patient Department, B. V. Hospital Bahawalpur from July 2010 to November 2010. Subjects and methods: 500 pregnant ladies, 18 to 35 years of age, primi and multigravida having lower urinary tract symptoms irrespective of socio- economic class and period of gestation but not having any medical disorder or multiple pregnancies were studied after informed consent. History and examination carried out and symptoms pertaining lower urinary tract recorded on pre-designed proforma. Data analysis was done through Chi-square test and interpreted in terms of P Value. Results: 500 pregnant ladies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study; out of them 260 expectant ladies (52%) were having the lower urinary tract symptoms. 12 women (4.6%) less than 20 years of age while 248(95.4%) equal or more than 20 years gave history of one or more urological problem. Among primi gravidas 64 ladies (24.62%) reported the symptoms while 196(75.38%) multigravidas gave positive history of symptoms. The results of our study revealed that 248(95.38%) ladies with complaint belong to poor socioeconomic group. The commonest symptoms pertaining to lower urinary tract was increased diurnal frequency and/ nocturia (80.77%). Regarding irritative symptom burning micutration was detected in 61% ladies. The third frequent problem was pelvic pressure found in 55.38% pregnant ladies. Conclusion: A significant proportion of selected population gave the history of lower urinary tract symptoms. Routine antenatal care should include inquiry regarding the symptoms in ordered to pick up the relevant cases for further investigation and management. So that ascending urinary tract infection with its grave consequence can be prevented.