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Incontinence and pregnancy are often juxtaposed. That is because pregnancy can sometimes lead to or aggravate urinary incontinence. Here is what incontinence during pregnancy is and how to manage it.
Urinary incontinence is a condition in which you face difficulty controlling your bladder. If you suffer from incontinence, you may feel a sudden urge to urinate, or you may experience urine leakage between bathroom visits. Additionally, you may need to visit the toilet more frequently than usual. Bladder control issues can occur due to various reasons, such as pregnancy and delivery.
But the good news is that incontinence during pregnancy is often temporary, and things typically return to normal a few months after your baby is born or the pregnancy is terminated.
There are two common types, namely, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI).
Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type that can develop during pregnancy. With SUI, you may experience dribbling or pee leakage when you:
Urge incontinence is a condition that occurs when the muscles in your bladder contract involuntarily, resulting in an uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can cause you to rush to the bathroom only to find that you have leaked urine before reaching the toilet.
Approximately 54.3 % of women experience bladder control problems during pregnancy. It can most commonly develop during the third trimester when the fetus is heaviest and places the most pressure on your bladder; however, it suggests incontinence can happen at any stage. Additionally, it is also common to experience bladder control problems after giving birth, especially if it is a vaginal delivery.
Many women have experienced urine leakage unintentionally, commonly known as a dribble, at some point in their lives. However, during pregnancy, these accidents can become more frequent. Changes in bladder control may become noticeable as early as the first trimester, and the probability of losing control over the bladder increases as pregnancy progresses.
During pregnancy, your uterus is positioned behind the bladder. As the fetus grows inside your uterus, it can exert pressure on your bladder, making it difficult to hold urine. However, due to the increased production of progesterone, these muscles become more flexible and allow your body to adjust to the growing fetus and eventually deliver the baby when the time comes. There is a high chance of it leading to bladder control loss. Additionally, weak pelvic floor muscles and vaginal deliveries can also make it difficult to control the urge to urinate.
Other causes include -
If you had bladder control issues before pregnancy, they are likely to persist or worsen during pregnancy. Conditions that affect the bladder, such as recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), can also lead to bladder control problems. Other risk factors include:
A BMI (body mass index) greater than 25 increases the risk of urinary incontinence (UI). Moreover, if the BMI is greater than 30, the risk of UI is more than doubled. In some cases, losing weight can reverse incontinence issues. Therefore, it is recommended to work with a healthcare provider to achieve a healthy weight that suits your body.
Some studies suggest that women who give birth for the first time after the age of 30 are more likely to experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI) than those who are younger than 30. Vaginal deliveries are also more likely to cause incontinence issues and increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after pregnancy, as compared to delivering a baby via cesarean section.
It is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made by the surgeon in the tissue beneath the vaginal opening during childbirth. The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate the baby's exit. Earlier, doctors believed that this procedure was helpful in reducing risks such as urinary incontinence and making deliveries easier. However, recent studies have shown that the procedure might, in fact, weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Babies weighing more than 9 pounds at birth may increase the risk of nerve damage during delivery.
Certain foods and drinks can irritate your bladder and increase the likelihood of urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Drinking beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, can cause your bladder to contract, resulting in a sudden urge to pee. Spicy or acidic foods can also irritate the bladder. Although the evidence is not entirely consistent, some studies suggest a link between smoking and an increased risk of urinary incontinence.
Your doctor may recommend alternative treatment options, such as:
It is a non-invasive and effective treatment option that can help strengthen and rehabilitate weak pelvic floor muscles. This therapy involves the use of a small, battery-operated device that delivers low-frequency electrical currents to the pelvic muscles, causing them to contract and relax. Electrical stimulation is often used with Kegel exercises, which can improve the strength and tone of the pelvic floor muscles. This therapy is a safe and painless way to address pelvic floor dysfunction. It can be a beneficial treatment option for individuals experiencing urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor-related issues.
Some medicines can be used to treat a type of bladder problem called urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). This problem causes you to feel like you need to go to the toilet suddenly, and sometimes, you might not be able to hold the urine in and leak. If you've tried things like going to the bathroom at regular times and avoiding drinks that might irritate your bladder, but it hasn't helped, then medication might be an option. These medicines can make your bladder hold more urine before you need to go to the toilet, which can help you to control the problem better.
It is a small and flexible plastic device designed to support the vagina walls. It can be conveniently removed, replaced, and cleaned at home, making it a popular option for women who are looking for a non-surgical method of managing pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. The pessary is inserted into the vagina, where it helps to maintain the proper positioning of the organs and prevent them from protruding. It is available in various shapes and sizes, and your doctor can help you choose the right one based on your individual needs.
There are several surgical procedures available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence that do not respond to conservative measures. One of the most common and effective surgeries involves the insertion of a synthetic mesh sling between the vagina and the middle portion of the urethra. This sling supports the urethra like a hammock and helps control urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, and exercising. Other effective surgeries for SUI that do not involve mesh include the Burch Colpo suspension and the traditional pubovaginal sling with graft material procured from the patient's own body. For patients who cannot undergo surgery, the urethral bulking injection is an office procedure that may help relieve symptoms.
These products are effective in managing leaks and preventing skin irritation. Some of the most sought-after products are incontinence pads or underwear, booster pads, diapers, and underpads. However, it's important to note that these products are only a temporary solution. To improve urinary control in the long term, it's essential to address the underlying issue, such as weak pelvic floor muscles.
Engaging in pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can significantly improve muscle strength, potentially leading to long-term improvements in urinary control. Kegel exercisers can also help with pelvic floor training.
Excess body weight puts pressure on the bladder, so losing even 10% of your weight can significantly help with urinary incontinence. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, working with your doctor to manage your weight gain can help relieve the pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor.
Smoking can lead to bladder irritation and chronic coughing, which increases the risk of urinary incontinence. Therefore, quitting smoking can be beneficial for reducing the risk.
If you experience urinary incontinence during or after pregnancy, know that you are not alone. It would be best if you considered talking to your doctor immediately.
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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...
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