Urinary Incontinence: Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period

23-24 weeks pregnant, Health advice, Postnatal

Hello, Moms!

I know it’s not easy having to pee all the time from the start of your pregnancy. Has anyone ever told you why? I always like to say that understanding something helps you better accept it!

In this article:


Better Understanding the Phenomenon

Blood volume, which gradually increases during the first trimester, has an impact on kidney filtration and urinary frequency. The more blood that passes through the kidneys leads to more filtration, increased residue, and an increase in elimination to maintain a fluid balance in the organism. The release of progesterone also dilates the vessels in the body, which carries urine faster to the bladder. In addition to the relaxation of the vessels, there is the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, which can function at a lower level and predispose women to urgent urination.

Why do you have to go to the bathroom more at night? Excellent question! Laying down allows you to reabsorb the liquids accumulated in your lower limbs during the day and increases the circulating fluid and the need to eliminate it. Your body is a well-built machine, right? It works hard to maintain its functions in spite of the turmoil caused by pregnancy.

Photo - femme enceinte et pertes urinaires pendant la grossesse

In addition to increased blood volume, a baby is growing in your uterus, which is taking up an increased amount of space and placing pressure on the surrounding organs and structures. These include the bladder, which is found in front of the uterus. In the same sense, if you are constipated (an accumulation of stool in the intestine), there is even less space. The different pelvic floor muscles are also overworked, stretched, and can offer less support (weakening) and continence (retention capacity), given the hormones relax these muscles. All of this put together means that a pregnant or new mother will have an urgent need to urinate and accidental urine loss, which we call urinary incontinence. This often occurs when making an effort – when a woman laughs, coughs, sneezes, or exerts herself physically.

To continue reading, go to Status Report.

 

 

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Newborn discomforts

Newborn discomforts

Newborn conjunctivitis, seborrheic dermatitis (or cradle cap), bloating, regurgitation, vomiting, reflux and colic. Marie frequently saw these newborn ailments during
Being Pregnant

Being Pregnant

You just learned you are pregnant. You have questions about the changes that will take place during the pregnancy? Along
Contractions

Contractions

Contractions scare many pregnant women. If you understand why they occur, how to identify and calculate them and when you
Childbirth in a Hospital with an Epidural

Childbirth in a Hospital with an Epidural

Marie accompanies Karine and Jocelyn to the hospital for the birth of their second baby. During this birth, the doctor