PREGNANCY & BLADDER CONTROL: What You Need To Know

PREGNANCY & BLADDER CONTROL: What You Need To Know

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of symptoms, but does that include dealing with urinary incontinence?

Let's chat about why those unexpected leaks might happen and whether you should be worried about them. 

 

You've probably had a few conversations with ‘mums-to-be' about how often they need to use the bathroom during pregnancy. "Some days, it feels like the baby's using my bladder as a punching bag!" And well, they’re pretty much spot on!

 The transformations your body undergoes during pregnancy can lead to the weakening of your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel.
 
But, let’s just say that during pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles go a bit ‘wobbly’.  
 
As you go further along in pregnancy, your baby's home, the uterus, starts expanding to give them more space. This extra room squeezes the bladder and makes you feel like you always need the toilet. When your pelvic floor muscles aren't as strong as they should be, your internal organs don't get the support they need, making it harder to control your bladder, bowel movements and your farts. 

 

Are urine leaks during pregnancy normal?

We’re not sure if “normal” is the best term to use but they’re common. Studies suggest over 50% of women have urine troubles during pregnancy. This occurrence tends to peak in the third trimester because your muscles are working overtime to accommodate for your growing baby.  
 
It's worth noting that if you have urinary leaks during pregnancy, chances are you'll be dealing with them after your little one arrives too. 

 

Am I more likely to get incontinence if I had it before pregnancy?

If your pelvic floor is weak before getting pregnant, odds are that you will get some type of incontinence during pregnancy. Factors that increase the risk of incontinence include: 

    • Dealing with constipation (can strain pelvic floor muscles)
    • Being overweight or obese 
    • Smoking
    • Mobility issues that make it hard to reach the restroom in time 
    • Dealing with nerve or muscle conditions like MS or arthritis 
    • Battling other health problems like diabetes, heart issues, or sleep apnea

 

Furthermore, your chances of experiencing incontinence can rise if you regularly consume bladder-irritating beverages, such as: 

          • Caffeine-packed drinks 
          • Fizzy drinks
          • Alcohol 
          • Fruit juices 
          • Artificially sweetened drinks

How can you treat incontinence during pregnancy? 

To kick things off on the right foot, you can enhance your bladder and bowel health by maintaining a balanced diet and staying active with regular exercise.

 
  
This simple approach can make a world of difference and sometimes even completely resolve incontinence issues.
Additionally, don't forget about the power of pelvic floor exercises, which can give a boost to the muscles around your vagina, urethra and anus. 
  
Before you get into the nitty-gritty of exercising these muscles, make sure you're using your pelvic floor muscles the right way.
  
   
 Reach out to a continence expert or a physiotherapist for some helpful pointers. 
 
When it comes to the exercises, you can start by doing them while lying down, and this works well up until the 16th week of your pregnancy. As you progress, feel free to switch things up by doing them while sitting or standing. Aim for 3 to 6 sessions a day for best results. 

 

If you're more of a visual learner, the Continence Foundation of Australia has put together a handy video demonstrating pelvic floor exercises. Additionally, consider using incontinence pads such as our incontinence range ‘Comforts’ for extra support.  

 

Our Comforts range is specifically designed to cater to women of all ages dealing with urinary incontinence. No matter if you experience a light, medium, or very heavy flow, Comforts has the answer to your continence concerns.
  
  
We've thoughtfully crafted our Comforts products with 100% natural cotton, ensuring breath-ability, exceptional absorbency, and skin-friendliness.
We understand that comfort is paramount, and that's why our products prioritize your comfort above all else. 

  

Could urinary leaks be a sign of something more serious? 

During pregnancy, it's normal to have some occasional small dribbles of urine. You can usually tell its urine from its color and smell. However, if you notice something unusual like a more substantial flow or a 'whoosh' of clear (or green) odorless liquid, it could be amniotic fluid. In that case, it's important to get in touch with your doctor promptly, especially if you’re unsure about what’s happening.  

 

Will I continue to have incontinence after the baby is born?

After having the baby, most people's pelvic floor muscles return to normal within 3 to 6 months. But there are a few things about the birth process that might up your chances of bladder and bowel issues. These include: 

 

  • Giving birth for the first time 
  • Delivering a large baby 
  • Experiencing an extended second
    stage of labor     
  • Undergoing a challenging vaginal delivery requiring episiotomy and stitches 
  • Sustaining a perineal tear with stitches near the vaginal area 
  • Having an assisted birth involving vacuum extraction or forceps assistance

 

 

If you're seeking guidance on strengthening your pelvic floor, consider consulting with your doctor, midwife, continence nurse and/or physiotherapist.

You can count on them for valuable guidance and support.