Posted on August 12th, 2024

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s natural to notice a series of unexpected changes in your body.

Maybe you've found yourself laughing with friends, only to feel a little bit of leakage. Or you've sneezed and suddenly felt a loss of bladder control. These experiences can be both surprising and frustrating, but rest assured, they are quite common during pregnancy.

Have you ever wondered why you’re now more prone to these little accidents?

The pelvic floor, a group of muscles working tirelessly to support your bladder, uterus, and other organs, can become weakened or stretched during pregnancy. This often leads to moments of involuntary leakage when you least expect it.

But don’t worry, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can strengthen these muscles and significantly reduce the instances of urinary incontinence. Read on to learn how to manage your symptoms and prepare for a healthier postpartum recovery.

What is Urinary Incontinence During Pregnancy?

As you progress through your pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can put additional pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles, leading to pregnancy incontinence. Essentially, urinary incontinence during pregnancy happens when the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and regulate the release of urine, become weakened or stretched. This reduced muscle control can result in involuntary leakage, especially when coughing, sneezing, or even laughing.

Furthermore, the hormonal shifts occurring during pregnancy can also contribute to what is urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The hormone relaxin, for instance, is released to relax your muscles and joints in preparation for childbirth. While this is beneficial for delivery, it can also reduce the tension in your pelvic floor muscles, making them less effective at controlling urine flow. Additionally, the expanding uterus places more force on the bladder, sometimes making it feel as though the bladder is constantly full, even when it's not, further exacerbating the problem.

It’s also important to consider other factors that can contribute to pregnancy incontinence. For instance, digestive issues like constipation are more common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines. Straining with bowel movements can further weaken the pelvic floor muscles, worsening urinary incontinence. Furthermore, existing conditions like obesity or prior pelvic surgeries can increase the risk. Even if you haven't experienced urinary incontinence before, the cumulative effects of these factors make it a possibility during pregnancy.

So, what can you do to manage this? Knowledge is power. In the next section, we'll provide you with some effective strategies for urine incontinence management.

Physical Therapy Strategies for Managing Incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises are a key strategy for managing pregnancy incontinence. Here are some effective postpartum physical therapy strategies a pelvic physical therapist will probably suggest:

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises involve tightening and relaxing the muscles that form the pelvic floor. By regularly performing Kegels, you can strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowels.

Not only do these exercises for urine incontinence help in managing leaking issues, but they also prepare your body for childbirth and aid in postpartum recovery.

To perform a Kegel exercise:

• Imagine trying to stop the flow of urine midstream—those are the muscles you want to target.
• Hold the squeeze for a few seconds, then release.
• It might take some practice to engage the right muscles, and that's where guided sessions with a specialized pelvic physical therapist can be beneficial. Your pelvic physical therapy therapist can offer personalized feedback and adjustments, ensuring you're getting the most out of each exercise.

Bladder Training Techniques

Besides Kegel exercises, another effective method involves practicing bladder training techniques. Bladder training helps in setting a schedule for urination to reduce the frequency of leaks. This may sound intimidating, but trust that it can help. Start by spacing out bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between each trip.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback, on the other hand, uses sensors to track muscle activity in your pelvic floor. This real-time feedback can make you more aware of how your muscles are functioning, allowing for more targeted and effective strengthening. Guided therapy sessions are also invaluable in addressing personalized needs. In these sessions, a specialized therapist will assess your specific condition, then design regimens that cater exactly to your situation. Even minor adjustments in your posture or bladder habits can make a significant difference. Always discuss any concerns with your therapist; your comfort and effectiveness are their priorities.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Moreover, Lotus Physical Therapy for Women employs a range of advanced techniques to further support you. Electrical stimulation, for example, can be used to activate muscles that might be difficult to engage on your own. This method uses mild electrical currents to stimulate pelvic floor muscles, enhancing their strength and function over time.

Related: Postpartum Physical Therapy: 6 Common Issues and How to Address Them

Final Thoughts

Postpartum physical therapy is a vital resource for new mothers. It not only addresses urinary incontinence but also encompasses a comprehensive approach to postnatal recovery. Beyond urinary incontinence, postpartum physical therapy addresses other common postnatal issues, such as diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and lower back pain. It supports your overall well-being, aiming to restore balance and strength throughout your body.

Seeking out professional physical therapy early on can make a significant difference, not just in managing urinary incontinence, but in enhancing your overall experience of pregnancy and postpartum life. By taking proactive steps and partnering with a specialized therapist, you can navigate pregnancy and the postpartum period with confidence and grace

At Lotus Physical Therapy for Women, our compassionate care approach to physical therapy enables you to regain confidence in your body, improving your daily function and quality of life as you deal with the challenges of new motherhood. Our physical therapy specializations encompass various techniques including balance and coordination training, which can be instrumental in counteracting the shifts in your center of gravity during pregnancy. 

Curious about how to start? Get in Touch Now!

Do you have questions about how our specialized programs can work for you? Feel free to reach out at (845) 517-5100 or email us at [email protected] for personalized advice and assistance. Your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care every step of the way.