Bladder and bowel control during pregnancy
When you are pregnant you receive a lot of advice from many people, but something few people talk or think about are bladder and bowel control problems in pregnancy and after the birth.
Tips for good bladder and bowel health
Here are some simple steps you can follow to help prevent bladder and bowel control problems.
Drink well
Aim to consume 6–8 cups (1.5–2 litres) of fluid a day, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Spread your drinks evenly throughout the day.
Drink more fluids (preferably water) if the weather is hot or if you are exercising.
Cut down on sugary drinks and drinks that have caffeine in them as they can irritate the bladder.
TIP: Don’t reduce your fluid intake if you have a bladder control problem as this will concentrate your urine and could make the problem worse.
Eat a healthy diet
Eat plenty of fibre, which helps bowel function by absorbing water and adding bulk to your bowel motions. Bulky stools keep things moving through your bowel to avoid constipation. Fibre is found in foods such as multigrain or wholegrain breads, cereals and cereal products, fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
TIP: To help bulk up your bowel motions you may add extra fibre to your diet, ensure you also drink plenty of fluids.
Be active
Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes most days. Physical activity such as brisk walking stimulates movement of the bowel.
Do your pelvic floor exercises regularly. Pregnancy, childbirth, increased weight, constipation, regular heavy lifting and a chronic cough can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, but you can strengthen these muscles with pelvic floor exercises.
Practice good toilet habits
Go to the toilet when your bladder feels full. Don’t get into the habit of going “just in case”.
Go to the toilet when you first feel the urge to use your bowel, as this is the best time to empty your bowel fully. Most people feel this urge first thing in the morning, after a meal or a hot drink, which stimulates bowel movements.
Sit on the toilet with your elbows over your knees, leaning forward, keeping your back straight. This helps to relax your pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles. Use a footstool to support your feet if this is more comfortable. Gently push, keeping your tummy bulged forward and continue to breathe normally.
If you notice you are straining to pass a bowel motion, you could be constipated, which can affect bladder and bowel function and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Review your diet to ensure you are drinking enough fluid and eating enough fibre.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Signs you may have a bladder or bowel control problem include:
leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, lift, laugh or exercise;
feeling an urgent need to empty your bladder or bowel;
leaking a solid or liquid bowel motion or soiling from your back passage on the way to or after you have been to the toilet;
finding it hard to empty your bowel unless you change position or use your finger to help; or
feeling a lump or dragging sensation in your vagina (mostly at the end of the day).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any concerns about your bowel and bladder health please consult a womens health physiotherapist for treatment and advice.