Objective. To determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence after childbirth and to identify the risk factors. Methods. This was a prospective observational study with a consecutive inclusion of 525 women who delivered over a three months period. Women were questioned about their fecal continence four days and six weeks after delivery. Results. The incidence of fecal incontinence four days and six weeks after childbirth was respectively 8.8% and 3.3% . The risk factors for fecal incontinence at 4 days after childbirth were instrumental delivery by forceps (adjusted odds ratio 8.64, 95% confidence interval 3.55- 21.0, p 93mm (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.46- 14.1, p=0.009) and maternal age >30 years (adjusted OR 4.60, 95% CI 1.11- 19.1, p=0.036). Conclusion. Fecal incontinence is common after childbirth and its prevalence is predominantly associated with instrumental delivery, unassisted delivery at home, bi parietal diameter of the newborn and maternal age.
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