5 Tips to Avoid Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence or leaking urine is quite common during the final stages of pregnancy. This problem is also called stress incontinence. It passes off once you are through with your delivery.

Causes

Some key causes for leaking urine can be identified as follows:

• The growing uterus applies increasing pressure on the bladder.
• Hormonal fluctuation in your body also induce urine to leak from your bladder when you laugh or cough.
• Pelvic floor muscles which did not get tightened after a previous delivery can trigger the leakage of urine.
• Change in activity can lead to leaking urine. These include moving from one position to another, lifting objects, bending, laughing, coughing or sneezing.
• Some kinds of exercises can enhance the problem.

While urinary incontinence is a normal part of pregnancy, there are instances where you should consult the doctor.

• If you find that you are always thirsty and consume lots of water and hence leak urine, contact your doctor immediately. She will have to rule out chances of gestational diabetes.
• If the urine is clear and odourless, check to ensure that you are not leaking amniotic fluid.

Symptoms

Wet undergarments are the best symptoms of leaking urine.

Prevention

You can try out the following techniques to control leaking urine:

• Avoid food that can irritate the bladder such as spicy food and caffeinated beverages.
• Maintain optimum weight gain as excessive weight gain applies more pressure on the bladder.
• Pelvic floor exercises help to minimise this problem.
• Do not control your urge to urinate.
• Consult your doctor to rule out possibilities of urinary tract infection.

Treatment

Some ways to treat the problem of leaking urine are:

• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
• Do try to keep your weight in the recommended weight gain limits.
• Visit the bathroom regularly and empty your bladder fully each time.
• Get yourself treated for urinary tract infection if you have it.
• Wear a pad that can absorb urine and prevents wet spots and smells.