Direct abdominal muscle diastasis and stress urinary incontinence in postpartum women

Abstract

Background: Currently, there are not enough studies comparing the width of the linea alba in women with and without stress urinary incontinence in postpartum women. The primary aim of the study was to compare the width (IRD) in postpartum women with and without symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The secondary aim of the study was to compare pelvic floor muscle morphometry in postpartum women with and without SUI symptoms. Methods: IRD distance was measured with a linear probe via 2D US. Urinary leakage symptoms were assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ – UI SF). Symptoms of overactive bladder were assessed by the Brief Urge Urinary Incontinence Symptoms Questionnaire (OAB-q). The functional status of the pelvic floor muscles was examined by manometry and pelvic floor muscle morphometry was examined by 3D/4D US. Conclusion: We compared IRD distance with and without SUI symptoms in postpartum women. The group of patients with stress urinary incontinence had a greater IRD distance at rest and during exercise compared to women without stress urinary incontinence. No worse pelvic floor muscle function and morphometry was found in women with SUI compared to women without SUI.