Incontinence during pregnancy and after childbirth

No trip without a toilet nearby - do you know this thought? Many women experience increased urinary urgency during pregnancy and are concerned when a few drops of urine are involuntarily lost. Why bladder weakness during pregnancy and after childbirth is completely normal and how you can continue to lead an active lifestyle, you will find out in this article.

Causes of bladder weakness during pregnancy

Just at the beginning of pregnancy, many women complain of strong urinary urgency; in the third trimester, some pregnant women also experience incontinence. The cause of the increased urinary urgency is initially the hormonal change: the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles – including the bladder muscles. Additionally, the growing uterus presses on the bladder in early pregnancy when it is still small within the pelvis, further intensifying the feeling of urgency – increased trips to the bathroom are therefore quite normal and not a cause for concern. As the pregnancy progresses, the pressure on the bladder increases: in many women, a so-called Stress incontinence on. The reason often lies in the weakened pelvic floor muscles. The increasing weight of the baby stretches and strains the pelvic floor muscles, thereby promoting bladder weakness. If you cough, sneeze, laugh, or jump now, it can happen that you involuntarily lose urine.

Another - rarer - type of bladder weakness during pregnancy is the urge incontinence . If you frequently experience almost sudden urges to urinate and leak urine before reaching the toilet, you are probably suffering from this type of bladder weakness. The cause is not in the pelvic floor muscles; instead, neurological disorders, urinary tract infections, or a deficiency of the female hormone estrogen are the triggers.

There are certain factors that increase the likelihood of incontinence during pregnancy. You belong to the Risk group , if you:

• When you are over 35 years old at the time of your first pregnancy

• Are extremely overweight

• smoked before pregnancy

• You already have urinary incontinence

• Has a genetic predisposition to bladder weakness

• You have a pelvic floor weakness

Incontinence after childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth are a significant strain on your pelvic floor muscles. Therefore, about one in five women after a vaginal birth are affected by bladder weakness - particularly common with stress urinary incontinence. Vaginal delivery stretches and weakens the pelvic floor significantly, so it takes time for it to regenerate. Especially a long Ejection phase during childbirth, a high strain on the pelvic floor occurs. To counteract bladder weakness, in most cases, a <\/span> helps. targeted pelvic floor training However, you should not rush anything and not start with an extensive workout right away. Give your body some time to recover. Postpartum a break and enjoy the time with your baby. Your midwife probably knows a few simple exercises that will help you gradually train your pelvic floor again. Learn more about when and how you can start postpartum recovery slowly and which exercises are beneficial in the article " Pelvic floor training after childbirth ".

If you experience bladder weakness after childbirth due to your pelvic floor, you should be able to regain control of your bladder approximately eight weeks later. If this is not yet the case, feel free to bring up the topic with your gynecologist—neither during pregnancy nor after childbirth should incontinence be uncomfortable for you.

Tips for bladder weakness during pregnancy and after childbirth

• Grab it special incontinence products how Inserts , Pants or absorbent underwear - Normal pads are not sufficient for reliably collecting urine. Our Vivoy Products absorb liquids reliably and prevent the formation of odors - all while being skin-friendly and breathable. Especially practical: You can your LILLYDOO diaper subscription simply add the Vivoy products as well. This way, you will have both conveniently delivered to your home. Of course, you can adjust your subscription at any time if you no longer need inserts, pants, and co. Now nothing stands in the way of an active everyday life!

• Better to go more often than too little: Visit the toilet more frequently, even if you don't feel a pressing need to urinate yet.

• Drink enough ! At least 1.5 to 2 liters in the form of water, unsweetened teas (not black tea), or spritzers. Do not drink less out of fear – this can actually worsen the symptoms.

• Variety and dietary fiber should not be missing from your menu. This reduces the risk of constipation. Because the straining associated with bowel movements increases the risk of incontinence. In our article " Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy You will find a practical list for a balanced diet.

• If you feel that you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh, tense your Pelvic floor muscles engaged . It can also help if you cross your legs or press them firmly together.

• Train your pelvic floor : Special pelvic floor training or light sports activity how Pilates , swimming, walking, gymnastics or yoga several times a week are ideal.

Suitable exercises YouTube channel

Urine, discharge or amniotic fluid?

Especially during the first months of pregnancy, when the due date still seems far away, a wet spot in your underwear initially sets you on high alert. You might be wondering: Was that urine or am I losing amniotic fluid? Is it a premature water break? Do I need to go to the hospital? For now, the most important thing is to stay calm and carefully observe what type of fluid you have lost.

Your body undergoes major changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. Don't let bladder weakness ruin your daily life and time with your little explorer, but instead get to know and love yourself anew. We wish you a wonderful pregnancy!