
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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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 👶.
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:
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 🏋️.
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.
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:
○ 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.
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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! ✨