Bladder Control During Pregnancy

[KatieChooChoo]

Not the nicest of subjects, but im really hoping that by posting this I get a few replies saying other ladies have experienced the same and it gets better!!

Im 28 week+4 with my second child, my first child is only just 2 so there isnt a massive age gap between pregnancies.

Ive had a pesky tickily cough for a couple of weeks, and when I cough hard I pee a little. Ive had to start wearing a tenna lady day and night to prevent embarrassing moments.

Im trying to do pelvic exercises but its making no difference.

Any advice?

Set an alarm on your phone for every hour. When it goes off, do:

• clench and hold for the count of 10
• 10 quick flicks
• imagine your pelvic floor is a little lift, clench to floor one and hold, floor 2 and hold, floor 3 and hold, down to floor two and hold, down to floor 1 and hold and release.

They are easiest when you do then laying down, a bit harder standing and hardest to do when walking - so you may need to do them laying / sitting down to start and then build up.

I think the key thing is being obsessive about doing them hourly and you should see a difference.

Millions of exercises!

But also ask to be referred to your local physio if you are concerned. Your midwives should be able to give you details. It's better (and cheaper) for them to help you now than later, so my MW said that in my area there is a real focus on getting women help during pregnancy and not after.

I feel your pain as I have the same issue. Am pregnant with DC3 and my pelvic floor is getting worse again. As a short term measure, crossing your legs (even when standing up) as you cough can help.

I had to wear tena lady from about 16 weeks with both my pregnancies

My pelvic floor is fine and I don't usually have bladder issues. I'm assuming it was something to do with the added pressure on my bladder.

From what I gather it's fairly normal.

I purchased tena lites today - oh the shame... I keep sneezing cos I've got a cold and I can't keep the wee in. I never realised this would be an issue BEFORE baby! I'm 16+3! I'm also trying to pelvic floor exercises ALL the time.

I have this problem too. I'm 27 weeks and I've been going to an aqua pregnancy class which has been great. You're wearing a floatation belt which keeps you upright, and the instructor then gets you to do things like raise your arms above your head, put them out to the side, scissor your legs, etc. you really have to work your core to keep your balance. I'm finding it really helpful, maybe you could see if there's anything like that around you?

I can only say do your pelvic floor exercises like your life depends on it. I had a 4th degree tear with DC1 and am 31 weeks with DC2. So far no wee leakage.

I had physio after my DC1 which helped me find the exact right muscles to work and as above poster suggests setting an alarm, doing as many as you can (if you can only manage 7 good ones then build up to 10) and building up the number/strength is the only thing that will help. It wont take long and you will find you are doing all the time.

Thanks for all the advice, ive been doing as many exercises as possible EVERYWHERE.... driving, work, walking, watching TV...

Im pleased to hear im not the only person experiencing this!!

It's not very pleasant is it? I'm having DC3 and suffering, I just hope it gets back to normal afterwards. I had a cold a few weeks ago which was a nightmare every time I coughed or sneezed, and now I even leak a little sometimes when I'm just about to go to the loo (). It's only a tiny bit so I've just been using long panty liners & changing regularly. Am doing pelvic floors a lot, but still got the problem! I hadn't really thought of mentioning it to the MW, but I will next time I go. Seems like there are a lot of us with it!

Just wanted to add that I started to notice tiny 'leaks' around 20wks and finally gave in to wearing Tena as I could no longer kid myself around 25-30wks (it was last year and I can't remember when exactly!).

So glad I did, the leaks were frustrating! I carried on with exercises but continued with the leaking and was terrified that it spelled doom for my pelvic floor, but straight after the birth I was back to normal, so just keep going with the exercises and hopefully it will be all fine once the baby is born