Pregnancy is (mostly) a time of happiness and excitement, but it can also bring with it some less joyful experiences—one of which is urinary incontinence. This less-than-pleasant symptom affects many women and is one of the common gynaecological disorders in pregnancy.
But fear not! While it may be a nuisance, urinary incontinence during pregnancy is usually temporary and manageable.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is an unintended leakage of urine. During pregnancy, it often takes the form of stress incontinence or urge incontinence.
- Stress incontinence can happen when you sneeze, laugh, or lift something heavy, causing pressure that leads to a bit of a leak.
- Urge incontinence is a sudden, extreme need to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage.
These symptoms are frequently due to hormonal changes that relax the urinary tract muscles and the increasing weight of the uterus, which puts pressure on the bladder.
The Link Between Urinary Incontinence and Gynaecological Disorders
While urinary incontinence is common during pregnancy, some women may experience worsened symptoms due to other existing gynaecological ailments. Conditions such as a weakened pelvic floor or a history of urinary issues may rise to the surface as the body goes through a multitude of changes.
Prevention and Management Strategies
There is good news, though! There are several things you can do to manage urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Kegel exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles are a great place to start.
You can also try bladder training, such as scheduling specific times to urinate, to help regain control. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine intake, drinking enough water, and following a healthy diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms.
Postpartum Considerations
After childbirth, many women find that their urinary incontinence symptoms improve. However, it is essential to continue with pelvic floor exercises and other recovery strategies to support your body as it heals and adjusts after pregnancy. For some, symptoms may linger, but with continued care and guidance, improvement is often on the horizon.
For all you wonderful expectant moms dealing with this challenge, know that urinary incontinence is a treatable condition. Addressing it head-on is the first step towards relief. Don’t let embarrassment hold you back from seeking the help you deserve.
Reach out and take control of your comfort during pregnancy. Book your appointment with Dr Augustine or Dr Parikh today for personalised care in managing gynaecological disorders in pregnancy. Together, we can find solutions that work for you.