More than 4 in 10 pregnant women experience urine leakage (urinary incontinence).
Most pregnancy-related bladder leaks will go away within 3 to 6 months after delivery.
Why is bladder leakage so common in pregnant and postpartum women?
Growing babies take up space
As babies grow, they put pressure on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles.
Hormonal changes weaken muscles
During pregnancy, some of the hormones that prepare the body for childbirth make it more difficult to hold urine because they cause:
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Weakened pelvic floor muscles
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Greater elasticity of tendons and ligaments.
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Greater muscle flexibility
Childbirth can damage the pelvic floor
Labor and birth can cause postpartum bladder leakage by:
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Damage to the pelvic nerves or pelvic floor
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Damage to the urethra
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Causing the pelvic organs to drop (pelvic organ prolapse)
Pelvic floor damage is most common when:
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There is a long or difficult delivery
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The baby weighs more than 9 pounds.
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You have to push for a long time
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You have a deep tear in your perineum.
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Forceps are used
Vaginal births are more likely to cause urine leakage than cesarean sections. However, cesarean sections are major surgeries and have other risks.
Regain control of your bladder
If you experience urine leakage, there are several ways to manage your symptoms.
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Use leak-proof pads or underwear, such as Poise, Depend, and Thinx for All Leaks, to help protect your clothing.
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Consult a pelvic floor therapist to help you strengthen your pelvic muscles.
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Try to maintain a healthy body weight during and after pregnancy to relieve pressure on your bladder.
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Avoid foods that irritate the bladder, such as:
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Caffeine
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Citrus and acidic foods
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Spicy foods
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Soda
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Eat foods rich in fiber, such as:
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Beans
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Berries
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Whole grains
Eating enough fiber will help you avoid straining when having a bowel movement, as this can put extra pressure on your bladder.
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Keep a bladder diary and note the times of day and activities that cause you to leak. Based on what you learn, try to go to the bathroom before those times.
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If you have overactive bladder, practice bladder training by urinating at regular times and slowly increasing the time between urinations.
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In some cases, you may need surgery to repair damaged muscles.
The sooner the better
Urinary leakage during and after pregnancy is common, but you don’t have to live with it forever. The sooner you start treatment, the better the results.
This educational resource was sponsored by Poise, a Kimberly-Clark brand. Other Kimberly-Clark brands include Depend and Thinx for All Leaks.
Poise and Depend are registered trademarks of Kimberly-Clark. Thinx for All Leaks is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark.
