Anorectal symptoms in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Objective: To determine the frequency of anorectal complaints in nulliparous, pregnant women before and after delivery.

Study Design: This was a prospective, observational study. Nulliparous, pregnant women attending an active-duty prenatal clinic completed a 6-item anorectal symptom questionnaire that assessed anal continence and defecatory symptoms.

Results: Seventy-five active-duty, nulliparous women completed 158 questionnaires. Anorectal symptoms were reported both antepartum (AP) and postpartum (PP): straining to defecate (AP: 28-59%; PP: 30%), hard or lumpy stools (AP: 48-59%; PP: 66%), incomplete emptying (AP: 38-53%; PP: 38%), uncontrolled loss of gas or stool from the rectum (AP: 18-29%; PP: 15%), unpreventable soilage of underwear (AP: 15-33%; PP: 13%) and splinting (AP: 3-9%; PP: 9%). Constipation symptoms were reported most frequently in the first trimester (p = 0.031) and anal incontinence most often in the third trimester but loss of gas or stool "often" more in the postpartum period (p = 0.027). Anal incontinence was more frequent in women who delivered by forceps (p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Anorectal symptoms are common both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Anal incontinence is reported more frequently in women who delivered by forceps.