5 Tips to Prevent Bladder Leaks When Sneezing During Pregnancy
Does a sneeze lead to a trickle-down below? You may feel embarrassed and anxious when you pee after sneezing, even when no one notices. But don’t worry. It’s common during pregnancy, infact 39.5% of pregnant women experience leaks, also known as urinary incontinence.
The good news is that it’s manageable, won’t last long, and clears after giving birth. Here are five ways to prevent leaking when sneezing.
Why the Leaks Happen
Before we dive into how to stop the leak, it’s best to understand why it happens in the first place. The following are some of the reasons why you pee when you sneeze:
Hormonal changes: It’s normal for your hormones to change as your baby grows. This change can lead to frequent urination, weak ligaments, and constipation.
Increased pressure: Your uterus expands during pregnancy to give room for your baby’s growth and, in turn, presses the bladder. So, any little pressure, like a sneeze, laugh, or cough, exerts more pressure on the bladder.
Medications: Specific medications contribute to bladder leaks. If you’re taking some medicines, check with your doctor for alternatives.
Urinary tract infections: UTIs are common during pregnancy and can lead to a leaky bladder. As your baby grows, it pressures the urinary tract and the bladder, trapping bacteria.
How to Prevent the Leaks
Now that you understand what causes the leaks, it’s time to know how to stop them from happening.
1.Pelvic Floor Exercises
The pelvic floor supports your uterus, urinary tract, and bladder; strengthening keeps bladder leaks at bay. Aim to do Kegels daily, and you can hold your pelvic floor when you sneeze to avoid placing more pressure on it. However
2. Avoid Constipation
Constipation exerts more pressure on your bladder, especially when you’re straining during a bowel movement and, as a result, damaging your pelvic floor. Ensure you consume fiber-rich food and drink enough water to avoid constipation.
3.Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as your doctor advises to avoid extra strain on your bladder. Your developing baby is already placing a lot of pressure on your bladder, and you can imagine how much worse the pressure will be with additional weight gain.
4.Wear Absorbent Pads
As your baby grows larger as you progress into your third trimester, bladder leaks become more common. Wearing absorbent pads will help you out during this time. They offer protection by catching any leakage, and you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself.
5.Avoid Bladder Irritants.
Caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy and acidic foods irritate your bladder, making it difficult to control urination. So, avoid these foods and beverages that cause your bladder leaks from your diet.
Don’t Allow Bladder Leaks to Hold You Back
Prevent Bladder Leaks When Sneezing During Pregnancy
Without a doubt, a leaking bladder when you sneeze during pregnancy is embarrassing and an inconvenience. But the good news is that it clears after giving birth. In the meantime, you can practice these five tips to stop the leaks.
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