Lower urinary tract symptoms in early pregnancy

SummaryTwo hundred and fifty-six women were questioned regarding their lower urinary tract symptoms in early pregnancy. In addition 44 completed frequency charts and 30 measured their fluid intake and urine output. We found that increased voiding occurred in early pregnancy in 91 per cent of women. Black women suffered less diurnal frequency but worse nocturia than white women. Nocturia appeared to be caused by a decreased functional bladder capacity and increased number of hours spent asleep. With respect to stress incontinence, we found a greater prevalence in white parous women compared to white nulliparous women but there was no such difference in the black group.