Urinary incontinence, especially during pregnancy (prenatal urinary incontinence), is really quite common due to the added pressure on your bladder from baby shifting around in your uterus. It can also occur as the muscles of the uterus and surrounding it grow and stretch out. Pressure on the bladder, which in turn triggers the nerves to tighten around the bladder muscles, causes the overwhelming urge to pee (or simply an overactive bladder).
Incontinence during the last few months following birth (postpartum urinary incontinence) is experienced by one third of new moms and can also be met with “accidental” leaks—from something as minor as a cough, sneeze, giggle, push, or lift—due to pregnancy and labor weakening muscles around your bladder and pelvis that aid bladder control.
If you’re pregnant or have just given birth and feel you don’t have control of your bladder, here are three remedies you can try to prevent leaks:
1. Lean forward on the toilet—this encourages your bladder to empty thoroughly
2. Wear absorbent pads for added protection from accidental leaks
3. Do Kegel exercises—which help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and improve bladder control
Source: Body & Health
