The study aimed to assess the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their impact on quality of life (QoL) among first-time pregnant women, G1 and second-time pregnant women, G2 during the last four weeks of gestation. We hypothesized that LUTS would be highly prevalent in late pregnancy due to hormonal, mechanical, and pelvic floor changes, with greater impact on QoL in G2 owing to higher parity-related risks, and that these symptoms are often underreported, underscoring the need for targeted prenatal interventions.

This cross-sectional observational study included 68 postpartum women (41 G1 and 27 G2) recruited from maternity wards at a public hospital in Brazil, between 2023 and 2024. Participants were interviewed within 48 hours postpartum via urogynecological anamnesis to retrospectively evaluate LUTS in the last gestational month. Data on demographics, obstetric history, and delivery mode were extracted from medical records. LUTS prevalence (nocturia, urgency, pollakiuria, incomplete emptying, stress urinary incontinence - SUI) was self-reported. QoL impact was measured using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), scored from 0-21 (higher scores indicate greater bother). Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and Student's t-test for continuous data (p<0.05 significant). Ethical approval was obtained from the local Research Ethics Committee.

All 68 women (100%) reported LUTS. The most common were nocturia (92.6%), urgency (82.3%), pollakiuria (73.5%), and incomplete emptying (70.6%). SUI affected 36.6% of G1 and 40.7% of G2 (p>0.05), often triggered by coughing (22%). ICIQ-SF scores indicated no significant group differences (G1 mean 8.2±5.1; G2 9.4±6.2; p=0.42), but 25 women (36.8%) had severe/very severe impact (scores ≥12). Demographics showed young age (mean 25.4 years), overweight BMI (28.1 kg/m²), stable relationships (89.7%), low education (57.4% incomplete elementary), and parda skin color (70.6%).

The universal prevalence of LUTS highlights pregnancy as a critical period for pelvic floor dysfunction, driven by hormonal changes, uterine compression, obesity, and parity. Similar SUI rates between groups suggest early-onset risks in primigravidas, with no significant differences in QoL impact between G1 and G2, aligning with known risk factors such as multiparity and vaginal delivery. High ICIQ-SF bother scores reflect physical, emotional, and social burdens (e.g., sleep disruption, embarrassment), but underreporting indicates symptom normalization and low awareness. Study limitations include recall bias and single-site sampling.

Prenatal and postpartum care must prioritize LUTS screening, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and education to mitigate QoL impacts. Multidisciplinary public health strategies can empower women, reduce long-term incontinence, and promote pelvic health awareness.

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