An investigation of the relationship of urinary incontinence and fatigue level and sleep quality in pregnancy

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence and fatigue level and sleep quality during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 311 pregnant women (literate, in an age range of 18-49 years, singleton pregnant, able to communicate, did not get pregnant as a result of infertility treatment, without a urinary tract infection or a chronic disease) who were presented to the pregnant polyclinic of a maternity hospital between January and March 2020. The data were collected using a personal information form, Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: In our study, the mean age of the participants was 27.25±5.641 years, and the mean gestational week was 29.46±9.581. 61.10% of the pregnant women (190) had urinary incontinence; sleep quality of them was “bad” in 68.80% (214). 46.60% (145) of the pregnant women were "fatigued". In our study, there was a significant positive and low-level correlation between the ISI and the PSQI mean scores (r=0.209; p <0.001); no significant correlation was found between ISI and the YSS (p=0.184). Conclusion: In our study, as the urinary incontinence level increased, poor sleep quality increased. There was no relationship between urinary incontinence and fatigue levels in pregnant women. During antenatal, health care professionals should evaluate the urinary incontinence, sleep quality, and fatigue levels of pregnant women, and require care practices should be offered involving coping strategies and treatment modalities in pregnant women with incontinence.