Laughing, Sneezing, Peeing: The Lowdown on Pregnancy Incontinence

Pregnancy incontinence is a problem many women face but often do not talk about. To some, it’s embarrassing to have to deal with this when you are pregnant. 

Pregnancy incontinence affects millions of women who have recently given birth. Studies show that it can last for years, impacting your quality of life. The majority of these women are affected by stress or urge incontinence. 

Some cases, however – especially if you’ve had natural childbirth with an episiotomy – are related to voiding (leaking urine) when laughing, sneezing, coughing or exercising. Read along to learn more.

What is Pregnancy Incontinence

Pregnancy incontinence, also known as urinary incontinence, is a condition that affects many women during pregnancy. It can occur at any point in the pregnancy, but most often, it occurs in the third trimester. 

As your baby grows and puts pressure on your bladder, it can cause you to leak urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh. You may also experience leakage with exertion or physical activity.

There are three types of incontinence: stress, urge and mixed. 

• Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence refers to the leakage of urine during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and increased pressure on the bladder caused by the growing uterus.

To manage stress incontinence, exercises like Kegels (pelvic floor muscle exercises) and lifestyle modifications can be beneficial.

• Urge Incontinence

This involves a strong and sudden urge to urinate, followed by an inability to hold the urine until reaching the bathroom. This type is associated with an overactive bladder muscle. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased pressure on the bladder can contribute to urge incontinence.

Treatment options for urge incontinence may include bladder training techniques, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

• Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence, where both types occur simultaneously. It is the most common form of incontinence experienced by women during pregnancy. The changing hormonal levels, physical changes in the pelvic floor muscles, and increased pressure on the bladder contribute to mixed incontinence.

Treatment strategies may involve a combination of pelvic floor exercises, behavioural modifications, and medical interventions as deemed necessary by healthcare providers.

Why Is Pregnancy Incontinence a Big Deal

Pregnancy incontinence can have a real impact on your quality of life, and let’s be honest, it’s not a topic we usually bring up over brunch with friends. But it’s important to address because it’s more common than you might think!

Dealing with urine leakage when you laugh too hard, sneeze, or even just go about your day can be frustrating and embarrassing. It can make you feel self-conscious and affect your confidence. Simple things like going out with friends or exercising may become sources of worry.

However, don’t lose hope! There are strategies and treatments available to help manage pregnancy incontinence, and it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the right support, you can navigate these challenges and regain control.

So, let’s break the silence and take the first step toward improving our quality of life.

Is Leaking Pee In Pregnancy Common

Leaking pee during pregnancy is common.

You might experience this if you have a bladder stretched out by the growing uterus, which can lead to a weak bladder. As your baby grows, the pressure on your bladder increases, making it harder for you to control it.

Also, pregnancy can cause your body to retain more fluids, which adds to the problem.

Drinking lots of water and other liquids is important to stay hydrated. And be sure to let your doctor know if you are experiencing any problems with your bladder during pregnancy so they can recommend treatments or medication that may help you.

Why Are You Leaking Urine During Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant and you’re experiencing leakage of urine, it can be embarrassing and frustrating. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

There are some reasons for pregnancy incontinence, or the inability to hold in your pee. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Your pelvic floor muscles aren’t strong enough to keep everything in place (even though they should get stronger each trimester).
2. You have an infection or inflammation in your bladder or urethra that interferes with muscle function or nerve supply to those muscles.
3. Your uterus has grown so much that it’s pressing against your bladder and pushing out on it from above (which is called vesicovaginal compression).
4. You’re not drinking enough water throughout the day, which makes it more difficult to hold in your pee.

When Does Pregnancy Incontinence Start

The answer to this question is that it depends on the individual. Some people may experience incontinence immediately, while others may not experience it until their third trimester. 

The cause of this variation is the same as for other pregnancy symptoms: hormones. As your body produces more estrogen and relaxin, both responsible for loosening ligaments and muscles, you may notice more difficulty controlling your bladder as your belly grows.

Urine Leakage During Early Pregnancy

Changes in hormone levels are the most common cause of urine leakage during early pregnancy. The hormones like progesterone increase during pregnancy which causes certain muscles in your body to relax more than usual. 

These muscles are located on your pelvic floor, supporting your bladder and urethra. If these muscles become too relaxed, they may not hold your bladder properly anymore, so urine can leak out when you cough or sneeze, for example.

How to Reduce Incontinence In Pregnancy

You can do things to reduce your symptoms and gain more control over your life. Here are five tips for reducing incontinence in pregnancy:

Experiencing bladder control issues during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are strategies you can adopt to help manage and alleviate the symptoms. Here are some helpful tips for managing bladder control issues during this special time:

• Bladder Training Techniques

Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to improve bladder control. Start by scheduling regular bathroom breaks and then gradually increase the time intervals. This technique helps train your bladder to hold urine for longer periods. It can be beneficial in managing urge incontinence during pregnancy.

• Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, aim to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and pelvic organs. Regularly practising these exercises can improve bladder control and reduce the occurrence of stress incontinence. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how to perform Kegel exercises correctly.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put additional pressure on the bladder, worsening bladder control issues. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a suitable exercise regimen during pregnancy.

• Stay Hydrated

Although it may seem counterintuitive, staying adequately hydrated is crucial for bladder health. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluid intake close to bedtime to minimize nighttime bathroom visits.

• Watch Your Diet

Certain foods and beverages can act as bladder irritants, exacerbating bladder control problems. Pay attention to your diet and avoid or limit the intake of bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners. Keeping a food diary can help identify specific triggers.

• Practice Good Toilet Habits

Establishing good toilet habits can help manage bladder control issues. Avoid rushing when using the restroom and ensure you fully empty your bladder during each visit. Take your time to completely void urine to minimise the risk of urinary retention and related complications.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance based on your individual needs.

Can You Avoid Urine Leakage While Pregnant

Yes!

You can avoid urine leakage while pregnant. If you’re pregnant and have to pee more often, it’s not just because of your baby—it’s also because your bladder is getting stretched out as your uterus expands. It’s important to know that this is normal and not something to be alarmed about.

Aside from the tips mentioned above, we’ve added a few more points to avoid urine leakage while pregnant:

1. Don’t wear tight clothes (or jeans) around the house.
2. Wear a pad or panty liner if you think your bladder might leak.
3. Drink plenty of water daily to keep your bladder hydrated and healthy during pregnancy.
4. Don’t hold in your pee when it’s time to go! Try going every hour or so instead of waiting until your bladder feels full—this will help prevent any unnecessary leakage from occurring later on down the road!
5. Maintain good posture during pregnancy to reduce pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing positions that strain these areas.

How Can You Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles?

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles will help improve your quality of life in many ways. For example, you’ll be less prone to urinary incontinence and prolapse, better control your bladder and bowel movements, and experience more frequent and intense orgasms.

There are several different ways to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles:

1. Kegel exercises: Regular pelvic floor exercise helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles, prevents incontinence problems and promotes the recovery of damaged muscles.
2. Avoid holding your urine: Holding urine for a long time increases the pressure on your bladder, causing more risk of incontinence.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra stress on your bladder and worsens the condition.
4. Watch what you drink: Reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks as they contribute to urinary incontinence. Drink plenty of water, instead, to keep your kidneys healthy.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking weakens tissues by reducing oxygen levels in the body, thus increasing the risk of urinary incontinence.
6. Bladder training & knowing when to go: This technique involves taking a watch or timer with you to the toilet at scheduled times throughout the day. Set the alarm every two hours, and use the bathroom. Over time, you can lengthen intervals between visits to build up control over how often you urinate.

When to Call the Doctor About Pregnancy Incontinence

Knowing when to seek medical advice regarding pregnancy incontinence is crucial for proper evaluation and management. It is recommended to call the doctor if the symptoms of incontinence significantly impact your daily life, worsen over time, or if you experience pain or discomfort during urination.

Additionally, if you notice blood in your urine, have recurrent urinary tract infections, or if the incontinence persists after delivery, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can assess your condition, provide appropriate treatment options, and address any underlying concerns.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.