Fecal incontinence in pregnancy and post partum

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) during pregnancy and post partum, and to determine any associations with demographic and birth variables. METHODS: Secondary analysis of 240 primiparous women conducted during pregnancy and post partum. Women were asked at various time points if they had lost control over their stool or bowel movements, and if they were practicing Kegel exercises. Associations of bowel symptoms with demographic and birth data were evaluated. RESULTS: Most participants were white (87%), with a median age of 30 years (range, 18-42 years). Women who reported fecal incontinence at 1 year were more educated than those who did not report it. No other demographic or birth data were associated with fecal incontinence at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of FI during pregnancy and post partum is low and not linked to low-risk birth. Furthermore, when FI occurs it is often sporadic. This should be reassuring to patients and providers alike.