A Complete Guide to Pregnancy Incontinence

When it comes to pregnancy, there are some subjects you might want to avoid, stick your head in the sand and hope they don’t happen, but maybe a more sensible approach might be to seek out more information. Although the female body is designed to carry a baby, pregnancy can bring some drawbacks that are better prepared for than ignored. Reading this guide could help you feel comfortable with the changes that are happening with your body.

The Signs, Symptoms and Causes of Pregnancy Incontinence

The major cause of incontinence during pregnancy comes from stress, which reduces your ability to control bladder output. By stress, this means pressure on this area of the body from sneezing or coughing, or maybe just lifting a slightly too heavy object. The later in the pregnancy you go, the more likely it could happen with even simple activities such as moving too quickly. The chances of an overactive bladder are remote, but some can experience uncontrollable spasms that leads to enough discomfort to cause immediate urination. 

Such issues are the consequences of female hormones during pregnancy, which are designed to relax the muscles ready for delivery. Unfortunately, this also relaxes the muscles around the urethra. In some ways, it is good news that this area is loosening its grip, as it could make for a slightly less uncomfortable birth.

The pressure of the baby can also cause involuntary urination. Your baby is not aware that it is leaning an elbow into your bladder as it sleeps, and there is no talking to the little person just yet.

If you are overweight, if you are over 35 and if there is a history of incontinence in the family, all can contribute to a likely issue with incontinence.

How Can You Prevent Pregnancy Incontinence?

Preparation is key to avoiding pregnancy incontinence. It would be best if you started to prepare before conception by losing any extra weight. You can also undertake pelvic floor exercises, which will strengthen the muscles in this area. This is a useful exercise to undertake for all women seeking to carry a baby, as it will help in so many ways, including reducing the risk of pain in the lower back.

You could also practice emptying the bladder as soon as you notice you need to urinate. The more you hold your urine, and the bigger the bladder grows, the more likely that stresses will build up. Straining during bowel movements can also contribute to muscle weakness; therefore, eating a healthy diet with significant amounts of fiber will also help, as well as reduce the chances of gaining weight too quickly. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as these are diuretics and cause you to need the toilet more frequently.

If You Struggle with Pregnancy Incontinence

It is first essential to know that it is usual for pregnant women to suffer from leakage of urine while pregnant. Therefore, there is no shame in needing incontinence products to manage the condition. This will offer you the comfort of avoiding urine being held too long against the skin and prevent a build of odor too. It is a simple way to manage a natural phenomenon.

If the problem is particularly tricky and continues after birth, due to forceps delivery or a large baby, then some medications and surgeries can help. It is likely that on your first visit to a medical professional they will suggest the more straightforward solutions of exercises and changes to your diet. However, do not worry about going back if these are ineffective.