Contents
Cough, sneezing, laughter: why this urinary leakage during pregnancy?
A slightly violent sneeze, a heavy cough, a big burst of laughter… For some pregnant women, these situations can give rise to rather unpleasant urinary leaks.
To know : rest assured, there is nothing very disturbing or irremediable here. These urinary leaks frequently occur at the end of pregnancy. At issue: the fact that the baby weighs on the pelvic floor, the hormonal changes during pregnancy which relax the muscles surrounding the urethra, the weight of the uterus which “crushes” the bladder. We are talking aboutstress incontinence, especially because it can occur during physical exertion (climbing stairs, for example).
Note that certain factors increase the risk of urinary leakage, such as:
- overweight ;
- significant weight gain;
- the constipation ;
- chronic cough;
- frequent urinary tract infections;
- smoking.
How to differentiate between crack or loss of water, and urine leakage?
Note that we must first of all differentiate between a fissure in the water bag and rupture of this amniotic fluid bag, also called water loss.
In the case of a crack, it is a question of a continuous flow and rather low in flow, whereas losing water amounts to losing a large amount of amniotic fluid, and means that childbirth is near.
So, the main difference between a water bag crack and urine leakage is the frequency of leaks. If it is a urine leak, the discharge will be sudden, while it will last over time if it is a crack in the water bag.
Put on protection to find out
To be sure, we can go to the bathroom to empty his bladder, then place a protection (sanitary napkin or piece of toilet paper) in his underwear, in order toobserve the color and appearance of leaks or spills. Amniotic fluid is a priori transparent (except in cases of infection), odorless and as liquid as water. While the urine is rather yellow and fragrant, and the vaginal discharge is thick and whitish.
If periodic protection is wet after just a few minutes, without coughing or straining unspecified, it is quite possible that it is about a crack of the pocket of water. It is then necessary to consult quickly.
As for differentiating urinary leakage from water loss, it’s simple. The loss of water is easily recognizable, as the quantity of liquid which flows is important, with a free flow. Again, in the absence of infection or fetal distress, the fluid is clear and odorless.
How to avoid urine leakage during pregnancy?
We can first of all try to limit the consumption of drinks that excite the bladder, such as coffee or tea, which are to be limited anyway during pregnancy. We avoid carrying heavy loads. On stop impact sports, and focus on sports that are gentle on the pelvic floor, such as swimming or walking.
It is not advisable to reduce your water consumption, but you can go to the toilet more regularly, to prevent the bladder from being full.
There are also small, simple exercises that can be done to strengthen the muscles of the perineum, and thus limit leakage, including during pregnancy. Called kegel exercises, they consist for example in contracting the whole of its perineum (by squeezing its anus and its vagina as to hold back a desire to go to the toilet) for a few seconds, then to release during the double time. Example: perform a series of 5 seconds of contraction, then 10 seconds of relaxation.
Warning: it is however strongly not recommended to indulge in the practice of “stop pee” which involves stopping the urine stream and then urinating again, as this could disturb the urinary tract and lead to urinary tract infections.
Postpartum: the importance of perineal rehabilitation after childbirth
If the small urinary leaks are not serious during pregnancy, they can unfortunately also occur during the postpartum period. Especially since vaginal childbirth also involves significant constraints on the perineum.
Also, to permanently get rid of these small urinary leaks, it is strongly recommended to undergo perineal rehabilitation, six to eight weeks after childbirth. This can be done with a physiotherapist or midwife. They are covered by Social Security if they are prescribed by a gynecologist or a midwife.
Once these sessions and exercises have been conscientiously carried out, we can resume physical and sporting activity.
Note that a well remuscled perineum improves the sensations of both partners during heterosexual intercourse with penetration, and limits the risk of urinary incontinence but also of prolapse, or organ descent.