Managing pregnancy-related incontinence

Managing pregnancy-related incontinence

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it comes with changes and challenges that may not be talked about enough. One of these is pregnancy-related incontinence – a common experience for many pregnant women but one that often goes undiscussed. 

Managing urinary incontinence during pregnancy can feel frustrating and even embarrassing at times, but with the right management tips, you can still stay comfortable and confident. Let’s see why pregnancy-related incontinence happens, the main risk factors, and some easy ways to manage and reduce it during and after pregnancy.

What is pregnancy-related incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine – essentially, losing control over the flow of urine.

For pregnant women, this can mean sudden leaks during activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or even just moving in certain ways. Incontinence during pregnancy is common and varies in intensity from mild to frequent leakage.

The most common types of pregnancy-related incontinence

There are two main types of incontinence related to pregnancy - stress incontinence and overactive bladder.

Stress incontinence

This is the most common type of incontinence during pregnancy. Stress incontinence happens when there is increased pressure on the bladder from the growing baby, leading to urine leakage.

During pregnancy, the weight of a baby and the expanding uterus put extra pressure on the bladder and pelvic organs, making it harder for the pelvic floor muscles to fully control the bladder, resulting in leaks.

Stress incontinence is particularly common in the later stages of pregnancy when the baby is larger and places more direct pressure on the bladder.

Overactive bladder 

Overactive bladder is another type of incontinence that some pregnant women experience. With an overactive bladder, you may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate that can be difficult to control – it may be best managed by incontinence pads or liners.
 
This intense urge often leads to leakage if you’re unable to get to the bathroom in time. An overactive bladder can be triggered by the bladder muscles contracting involuntarily, which can happen more often during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the added pressure on the bladder.

Why does incontinence happen during pregnancy?

Pregnancy puts extra pressure on many of the body’s organs, especially the bladder. As the baby grows, it presses on the bladder and pelvic organs, increasing the likelihood of leaks. 

The hormone relaxin also plays a role, as it helps the body prepare for childbirth by loosening muscles and ligaments, including the pelvic floor muscles that support bladder control.

Other risk factors for incontinence include:

• Type of delivery – Vaginal birth and vaginal delivery tend to increase the risk of incontinence due to stretching and potential weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
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  Medical conditions – Certain conditions, like diabetes or previous pelvic surgeries, can increase the chances of experiencing incontinence.
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  Healthy weight – Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is important, as excess weight adds additional pressure to the bladder and pelvic area.

Incontinence during pregnancy vs. after pregnancy

Pregnancy-related incontinence can vary throughout pregnancy and even continue after childbirth. Many women notice incontinence issues in the later stages of pregnancy when their baby is larger, causing increased bladder pressure.

However, for some women, incontinence may not appear until the postpartum period, a few weeks or months after delivery, especially if they had a vaginal birth. 

Incontinence after pregnancy is common and may continue as the pelvic floor muscles slowly recover from delivery. This type of postpartum incontinence often improves as the body heals, but pelvic floor exercises can help speed up recovery.

Strengthen your pelvic floor with Kegel exercises

The good news is that there are exercises you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder and help reduce leaks. These exercises can be safely done throughout pregnancy and after delivery to improve bladder control and prevent other accidents.

Kegel exercises

These are some of the most effective exercises for managing incontinence. To do a Kegel, tighten the muscles you’d use to stop urinating, hold for a few seconds, and then release. 

Repeat this a few times daily, gradually building up the length of each “hold” to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Other pelvic floor exercises

Gentle movements, like squats and bridges, also help engage the pelvic floor muscles. Unsure what you're doing? YouTube is a great place to find free instructional videos, but if you need professional help, consider speaking with your GP or obstetrician.

It’s important to start these exercises during pregnancy as soon as you feel comfortable and continue postpartum for the best results.

For most women, starting around the second trimester or in the weeks after delivery provides plenty of time for you to build strength and stop your incontinence from getting worse.

Other handy tips to manage your incontinence

While pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles over time, there are also day-to-day strategies to minimise any leaks and discomfort.

• Limit fluid intake before bed – Reducing the amount you drink close to bedtime (9pm onwards) can help reduce night time leaks.
• Avoid bladder irritants – Caffeine, carbonated drinks, and spicy foods can sometimes worsen bladder control. Consider cutting back on these if you notice a connection.
• Go to the bathroom regularly – Try to empty your bladder on a schedule, even if you don’t feel a strong urge.
• Try incontinence pads – Discreet forms of protection, like incontinence pads or liners, can give much-needed peace of mind when you’re out and about.

Embrace pregnancy confidently with Incontinence Shop

Pregnancy-related incontinence is something that many women experience, but it shouldn't overshadow the excitement of welcoming your new baby.

By being proactive – strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, making small lifestyle adjustments, and knowing when to look for help – you can manage your incontinence and be the best mum you can be.

If you're looking for simple ways to manage your leaks, look no further than Incontinence Shop. From incontinence pads and pants to handy accessories like wet wipes and barrier creams, you can have everything you need to stay accident-free.

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