Do you also have difficulty controlling your urine during pregnancy? (Urinary Incontinence) Let's talk about this!

Have you ever had to urinate while laughing out loud with your friends, or when you suddenly sneeze, or when you cough a little too loudly during pregnancy? You may have had to go to the bathroom frequently. This is not unique to you. Many mothers have experienced this during pregnancy. So today, let's talk about what causes this, is it normal, and what we can do to control this condition.

What is incontinence?

Simply put, urinary incontinence is the inability to control your urine flow. You may feel a sudden, strong urge to urinate, or you may leak small amounts of urine until you reach the bathroom. You may also need to urinate more frequently than usual. This condition is common during pregnancy and after childbirth.

But the best part is that this urinary incontinence during pregnancy is often temporary . The condition largely returns to normal within a few months after the baby is born.

What are the most common types of thrush during pregnancy?

Let's be aware of the two main types of this condition. Once you understand these, it will be easier for you to understand what is happening to you.

Why does this happen during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes changes to create a healthy environment for your baby to grow. But those changes can sometimes have a small impact on your bladder control. Let's take a look at what causes them.

• Enlarged uterus: Your uterus is located behind your bladder. As your baby grows, your uterus also grows. This puts pressure on your bladder, much like a small weight on a water-filled balloon. This reduces the amount of urine your bladder can hold.
• The effect of hormones: During pregnancy, hormones like progesterone cause your pelvic floor muscles to relax and become flexible. These muscles are like a net that holds your bladder and uterus in place. These muscles are essential for the growth of your baby and for childbirth. However, when these muscles become weak, it becomes difficult to hold in your urine for a while.
• The impact of childbirth: This condition can be exacerbated, especially during vaginal delivery.
• Nerve damage: If childbirth is difficult or takes a long time, the pelvic nerves that control bladder function can be damaged.
• Damage to the muscles: Sometimes, when a baby is delivered using forceps, there is a risk of damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): Sometimes during pregnancy or childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles become so weak that they can no longer hold the organs in place. For example, the bladder can drop down. We call this a cystocele. In such cases, urinary control problems also occur.

What are the risk factors that contribute to this condition?

This condition does not affect all pregnant women in the same way. Some people may be more affected by it. Let's look at what can cause it.

What can we do about this? Are there things we can do ourselves?

Yes, absolutely. There are many things you can do to manage this condition. These are very simple things.

Kegel Exercises - Your Best Friend!

You've probably heard this name before. This is the best exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles are strong, you can control your bladder better.

How exactly do Kegel exercises?

Imagine you want to stop urinating, or you want to stop passing air. These are the muscles you tighten at that time.

1. First, identify those muscles. (Try to stop urinating suddenly while urinating. These are the muscles that tighten. But don't do this as an exercise all the time, just do it to identify the muscles.)

2. Now tighten those muscles and hold for about 10 seconds . Be sure not to tense your legs, buttocks, or abdominal muscles at this point. Breathe normally.

3. Then relax those muscles.

4. Do this 15 times . That's one round.

5. Try to do about 5 rounds like this a day.

Other lifestyle changes

In addition to Kegel exercises, add these simple things to your life.

• Reduce caffeine: Switch to water or decaffeinated beverages instead of coffee and tea. Also, reduce spicy and acidic foods.
• Reduce fluids at night: Avoid drinking a lot of water before bed. This can help reduce the need to go to the bathroom frequently at night.
• Eat fiber-rich foods: Constipation is reduced by eating fiber-rich foods like legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Straining to defecate when constipated can also put pressure on the bladder and cause urine to leak.
• Maintain a healthy weight: While losing weight during pregnancy can be challenging, you can try to maintain a healthy weight. This will reduce the pressure on your bladder.
• Bladder Training: Keep a journal of when you urinate and how often. Then, practice going to the bathroom before you feel the urge to urinate. Gradually try to increase the time between trips to the bathroom.

While doing these things, you can use pads or incontinence underwear if you need to. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Remember, many other mothers are going through this experience just like you.

When should I see a doctor?

Although this is normal during pregnancy, it is important to tell your doctor about it so he or she can give you the advice you need.

• If this condition persists even after 6 weeks of having the baby , be sure to see your doctor.
• If this urinary incontinence is interfering with your daily life , for example, if you are avoiding social events or are afraid to go out, talk to your doctor about it.

The doctor will examine you and, if necessary, refer you for various tests (Bladder stress test, Cystoscopy, Ultrasound, Urinalysis, Urodynamic testing) to find the cause.

Is this urine coming out? Is it vaginal discharge? Or...?

This is a problem that many mothers have, especially in the latter part of pregnancy. It is very important to distinguish between these three.