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. 

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You've probably had a few conversations with ‘mums-to-be' about how often they need to use the toilet 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, and these muscles play a crucial role in supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. 💩 

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus starts expanding to give the baby more space. This extra room squeezes the bladder, making it feel like you always need the toilet 🚽. When pelvic floor muscles aren't as strong as they should be, the internal organs don't have enough support, making it harder to control bladder, bowel movements, (and your farts 💨). 

 

Are bladder leaks during pregnancy normal?

 
We’re not sure if “normal” is the best term to use but it's common. Studies suggest over 50% of women have bladder leaks during pregnancy. This peaks in the 3rd trimester because your muscles are working overtime to accommodate the baby 👶.  
 
It's worth noting that if you have bladder leaks during pregnancy, chances are you'll be dealing with them after your baby arrives too. 

 

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

If your pelvic floor is weak before pregnancy, odds are you'll have some form of incontinence during pregnancy.

Factors that increase the risk of incontinence include: 

    ○ Smoking 🚬
    ○ Being overweight or obese 🍔 🍟 🌭 🍕
    ○ Dealing with constipation (can strain pelvic floor muscles) 🚽
    ○ Dealing with nerve or muscle conditions like MS or arthritis 🤕
    ○ Mobility issues that make it hard to reach the restroom in time 🚺
    ○ Battling other health problems like diabetes 🍭, heart issues 🫀, or sleep apnea 💤

     

    Also in general, the chances of experiencing bladder leaks increases if you regularly consume irritants like:

    ○ Alcohol 🍷
    ○ Fruit juices 🍊
    ○ Fizzy drinks 🥤
    ○ Caffeine-packed drinks ☕
    ○ Artificially sweetened drinks 🍬
     

    How can you treat incontinence during pregnancy?

    For starters, you can enhance your bladder health by maintaining a balanced diet 🥗 and staying active with regular exercise 🏋️.

    This 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 strengthens the muscles around the 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! You can do this by reaching out to a continence expert or a physiotherapist.   

    You can start doing the exercises 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 the exercises 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. Also consider using incontinence pads such as our ‘Comforts’ range for extra support.  

    Our Comforts pads are made with 100% natural cotton for breathable, skin-friendly protection—thoughtfully designed for women of all ages, no matter the flow. 🌱
      
        
      

    Can bladder leaks be a sign of something more serious? ⚠️

    During pregnancy, it's normal to have some occasional small dribbles of urine. 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, especially if you’re unsure about what’s happening.  

     

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

    After giving birth, most women's pelvic floor muscles return to normal within 3 to 6 months. But there are a few things about the birthing process that might increase your chances of bladder issues, including:

    ○ Delivering a large baby 👶
    ○ Experiencing an extended second stage of labor ⏳
    ○ Sustaining a perineal tear with stitches near the vaginal area 🪡
    ○ Having an assisted birth involving vacuum extraction or forceps assistance 👩⚕️
    ○ Undergoing a challenging vaginal delivery requiring episiotomy and stitches 💉 
     

    If you're seeking guidance on strengthening your pelvic floor, consider consulting with your doctor, midwife, continence nurse and/or physiotherapist.
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    Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with its own set of challenges, and bladder leaks can be one of them. 💖 Remember, you’re not alone—many women experience this, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

    By understanding what’s happening to your body and taking proactive steps, you can manage and improve your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out to health professionals for guidance, and remember to listen to your body. You’ve got this! ✨