Urinary leakage during pregnancy: causes and treatments
Pregnancy is a period marked by many changes in a woman's body. Among these, urinary leakage is a reality for 3 to 4 out of 10 women from the second trimester. These involuntary losses of urine, often during exercise, sneezing or coughing, are mainly due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder. While this symptom is common and generally harmless, it can be a source of discomfort and stress.
Understanding urinary leakage during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman may encounter several factors favoring the appearance of urinary leakage. Increased intra-abdominal pressure , due to the growing uterus, is a key factor. It can be accompanied by significant weight gain or constipation , worsening pressure on the bladder.
In addition, hormonal changes specific to pregnancy relax the pelvic floor muscles, involved in bladder control. Certain situations, such as chronic cough or playing sports that generate pressure on the pelvic floor, can also promote leaks.
Symptoms associated with pregnant incontinence
Symptoms of incontinence during pregnancy are often associated with involuntary urinary leakage during laughing, coughing, sneezing, or physical activity. Some women may also experience a frequent urge to urinate which may intensify or recur during pregnancy.
In addition, the feeling of constant intimate humidity can be a sign of urinary leakage. Finally, dark yellow or orange colored urine may indicate dehydration, which may also be associated with incontinence. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
When do urinary leaks appear?
Urinary leaks from the start of pregnancy
From the start of pregnancy, it is possible to notice urinary leakage. This phenomenon is mainly due to increased hormones, particularly progesterone , which relaxes the pelvic floor muscles and increases urine flow. Additionally, the expansion of the uterus may already begin to put pressure on the bladder, causing a frequent urge to urinate. This is why, even at the start of pregnancy, it is important to adopt good habits to prevent incontinence:
- performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
- a balanced diet rich in fiber to avoid constipation and additional pressure on the bladder
- regular hydration to prevent dehydration, which can worsen incontinence symptoms.
Urinary leaks in the 1st trimester
In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, urinary leakage may be caused by increased production of the hormone HCG which stimulates kidney function, which may lead to a need to urinate more frequently. Additionally, the uterus begins to expand and can put pressure on the bladder.
It is also important to note that some women may be more likely to experience bladder leakage due to factors such as:
- Age : Women over 35 are more likely to have urinary leakage.
- Genetics : Women whose mothers or sisters had bladder leakage during pregnancy may be at greater risk.
- Obesity : Overweight women may be more likely to have bladder leakage during pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancies : Women who have had multiple pregnancies may be more likely to experience bladder leakage.
To manage urinary leakage during this time, women can:
- Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Use specific urinary protection.
- Eat a healthy diet to avoid excessive weight gain.
- Drink enough water to prevent urinary infections.
Urinary leakage at 5 months of pregnancy
Urinary leaks at 5 months of pregnancy are common and can be more severe . These leaks, also known as stress urinary incontinence, are often triggered by movements such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or lifting objects. They are mainly caused by the increased weight of the uterus which puts pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.
Furthermore, factors such as excessive weight gain , constipation or even chronic cough can aggravate this phenomenon. To deal with this, solutions exist:
- Regularly practice pelvic floor strengthening exercises
- Adopt a balanced diet to control weight gain
- Avoid sports that put pressure on the pelvic floor.
Incontinence at 6 months of pregnancy
By 6 months of pregnancy, the uterus has grown large enough to place significant pressure on the bladder, which can lead to urinary leakage. These leaks, often triggered by exertions such as coughing, laughing or lifting heavy loads, are called "stress incontinence."
The hormonal changes observed during this period of 6 months of pregnancy also help to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and urethra , increasing the risk of incontinence. In addition, other factors such as constipation, being overweight, recurrent urinary infections or the practice of certain sports can accentuate this phenomenon. Wearing suitable panty liners and practicing perineal rehabilitation can help manage these inconveniences.
Urinary leakage at the end of pregnancy
At the end of pregnancy, urinary leakage can become more frequent and more severe. This is mainly due to the baby's increased weight on the pelvic floor and urethra, as well as overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence . In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to relaxation of the muscular and ligamentous tissues of the pelvic floor, promoting leaks.
Furthermore, leaks can be caused by factors such as constipation, being overweight, chronic cough, repeated urinary infections or playing sports that put pressure on the pelvic floor organs.
How to identify a urinary leak from a crack in the water bag?
Is it normal to have urine loss when pregnant?
Urinary loss during pregnancy can be a source of concern for some women. However, you should know that this phenomenon is normal and quite common during this period. In fact, around a third of pregnant women experience urinary leakage from the second trimester of pregnancy . These leaks are usually due to increased pressure from the uterus on the bladder and perineum, but also due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. It is therefore important to note that this urinary leakage is not synonymous with urinary incontinence and should not be a source of stress or anxiety.
How do you know if it's amniotic fluid?
To distinguish a urinary leak from a loss of amniotic fluid, several clues can guide you.
- First, the color : amniotic fluid is transparent, while urine can be more or less colored.
- Then, the smell : amniotic fluid is odorless, unlike urine which can give off an ammonia odor.
- Finally, the consistency : amniotic fluid has a watery consistency and will wet your underwear without leaving a yellowish trace.
If you suspect a loss of amniotic fluid, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
How do you know if your water is breaking?
Distinguishing a water break from a urinary leak can sometimes be complex. One of the main differences is the frequency of flow. In fact, urinary leakage generally occurs suddenly, during effort or a sudden movement, such as laughing, coughing or sneezing.
On the other hand, a loss of water is characterized by a constant flow , which persists over time. This can happen without any particular effort and continue even when resting.
Additionally, amniotic fluid is often clear and slightly sweet , unlike urine which can be darker and has a stronger odor.
If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to contact a health professional who can guide you.
Trigger factors for incontinence during pregnancy
Sneezing causes a sudden increase in pressure in the abdomen, which can lead to urinary leakage if the pelvic floor is not strong enough to resist this pressure. This phenomenon is accentuated during pregnancy due to the increased pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder.
Urinary leakage when coughing during pregnancy
Cough, especially if chronic, can also be a trigger for incontinence during pregnancy. Indeed, the movement of coughing puts pressure on the bladder, causing urinary leakage if the pelvic floor is weakened.
It should be noted that other factors can also promote the appearance of urinary leakage during pregnancy, such as:
- Age : the risk of urinary incontinence increases with age.
- Previous pregnancies : having already been pregnant increases the risk of urinary leakage during subsequent pregnancies.
- Excessive weight gain : significant weight gain during pregnancy can increase pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, thus promoting urinary leakage.
- Smoking : Tobacco can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the frequency of urination, thus promoting urinary incontinence.
It is therefore essential to take these factors into account and implement preventive strategies to limit the occurrence of urinary leakage during pregnancy.
Why do we urinate more when we sneeze or cough when pregnant?
Urinary leakage when sneezing during pregnancy
Sneezing is a natural reaction of the body that causes a rapid and involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles. This contraction generates sudden pressure on the bladder, which can cause urine to leak, especially if the pelvic floor is weakened, as is often the case during pregnancy. This phenomenon, called stress urinary incontinence, can be particularly bothersome for pregnant women.
Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy also contribute to the relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of urinary leakage. Additionally, the increased size of the uterus puts additional pressure on the bladder, making these leaks more likely during physical exertion, even as small as sneezing.
To manage this phenomenon, different solutions can be considered , in particular:
- Perineal rehabilitation, which helps strengthen the muscles in this area and thus better control the bladder.
- The use of suitable protection to avoid the inconvenience linked to leaks.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and sufficient hydration.
However, it is recommended to consult a health professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan for urinary leakage .
