Women experience urine leakage, which is also called incontinence, during pregnancy or after they have given birth. Bladder is a round, muscular organ that is located above the pelvic bones. It is supported by the pelvic muscles. A tube called the urethra allows urine to flow out of the bladder. Lower abdomen Muscle relaxes as the bladder fills with urine, while the sphincter muscles help to keep the bladder closed until you are ready to urinate.

There are other systems of the body that help to control the bladder. All of these nerves and muscles must work together so the bladder can function normally.

Pregnancy Incontinence: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Causes

This type of leakage is called stress incontinence. During pregnancy, the unborn baby puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, bladder, and urethra. The extra pressure can make you feel the urge to urinate more often. Emotional strain or tension incontinence resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances may be only temporary and often ends within a few weeks after the baby is born.

Pregnancy, the type of delivery, and the number of children a woman has are factors that can increase the risk of incontinence. Patients have given birth, whether by vaginal delivery or cesarean section, have much higher rates of stress incontinence than those who never have had a baby.

sagging or drooping of bladder If pelvic muscles do not provide enough support. This condition is known as a cystocele. When the bladder sags, it can cause the urethra opening to stretch.

Forceps used in delivery can result in injuries to the pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles. Extended duration pushing during a vaginal delivery also increases the likelihood of injury to the pelvic nerves and subsequent bladder control problems.

Diagnosis 

For all that most problems with bladder control during or after pregnancy disappear over time, you should visit your doctor if they persist for six weeks or more after you have given birth.

Examiner will perform a physical examination to rule out various medical conditions and see how well your bladder is functioning. Your doctor may order various tests, which might include:

Urinalysis​: You will be asked to provide a urine sample to be analyzed for possible infections

that could cause incontinence.

Ultrasound​: Images produced by ultrasound waves can show the kidneys, bladder and urethra.

Bonney test and Bladder stress test​: Your doctor will check for signs of urine leakage when you cough forcefully or bear down.

Cystoscopy​: A thin tube with a miniature camera at one end is inserted into the urethra so the doctor can examine your bladder and urethra.

Urodynamic testing or urodynamics​: A thin tube is inserted into the bladder to fill it with water so the pressure inside the bladder can be measured.

Treatment

Repetitive contractions exercises may help to improve bladder control and reduce urine leakage. In addition, changing your diet, losing weight, and timing your trips to the bathroom may help.

Basic function of satisfying human thirst by drinking beverages such as carbonated drinks, coffee, and tea might make you feel like you need to urinate more often.

Excess body weight can put additional pressure on the bladder. Reducing weight after your baby is born can help to relieve some of the pressure.

By holding on yourself longer, you will strengthen your pelvic muscles and increase control over your bladder.

Prevention

Childbirth have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles and nerves that affect bladder control, so you should discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Surgery sections are associated with a lower risk of incontinence or pelvic prolapse than vaginal deliveries, but they may present other risks. Incontinence problems might show up months to years after childbirth. Talk to your health care team if this happens to you.

Repetitive contractions of pelvic muscles, also called pelvic floor exercises, help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowels ,by strengthening these muscles during pregnancy, you can develop relax ability and control the muscles in preparation for labor and birth.

Conceptualize you are trying to hold something in your vagina, stop the flow of urine, or trying not to pass gas , by this you are contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor and are practicing Kegel exercises while doing Kegel exercises, try not to move your leg, buttock, or abdominal muscles. In fact, no one should be able to tell that you are doing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises should be done every day. We recommend doing three sets of Kegel exercises a day.