Risk factors for postpartum stress urinary incontinence: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The objective of this meta-analysis was to identify and quantify postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI) risk factors. Methods: We systemically searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). The evaluated variables as risk factors were pooled as odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 63 studies were included. The analysis found a significant positive association between SUI and vaginal delivery (OR=2.15), age (OR=1.44), BMI (OR=1.19), parity (OR=1.43), and fetal-birth weight (OR=1.08). Conclusions: Age, parity, delivery with forceps, birth weight, maternal body mass index, induction of labor, length of the second stage of labor, history of prenatal SUI, and vaginal delivery were all risk factors for postpartum SUI. Scientific novelty: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides the most comprehensive and updated evidence to date. Practical significance of the results: Healthcare personnel should be taught to recognize and treat postpartum SUI risk factors.