Little leaks in pregnancy and after birth

Major changes are happening in your body – it’s not surprising that your urinary system is one of the things that’s affected.

 

During pregnancy blood volume increases progressively, causing kidneys to produce more urine – so you’ll go to the bathroom more. As your uterus expands with your growing baby it puts pressure on your bladder. 

 

Hormones that prepare your ligaments and joints for delivery weaken the muscles that control urine flow, while constipation (common in both pregnancy and after birth) will put even more stress on your pelvic floor and bladder. This affects the support around your urinary tract, meaning little leaks are more likely. 

 

You might need to get up once (or several times) during the night to pee. That’s because fluid retention in your legs and feet will find its way back into your bloodstream when you lie down. 

 

 

This is when you pee a little because there’s increased pressure on your bladder, like when you laugh, cough or sneeze. It’s pretty common, so try not to worry. 

Little leaks during pregnancy are most likely urine. If you put a liner in your pants and the fluid is yellowish in colour, then it’s probably pee. 

 

Of course, if you’re at all worried that you could have amniotic fluid leakage you should contact your doctor or midwife – a quick scan will determine if everything’s as it should be. 

Months of pregnancy are followed by the main event – labour! By the time your baby’s ready to come into the world, your organs (including your bladder and urethra) will have moved around a lot to make room for this new life. Pelvic floor muscles (surrounding your urethra, vagina and anus) will have been stretched and pulled in all directions, so it’ll take time for things to get back into shape.

 

 

If your labour involved a lot of pushing, your pelvic floor will have taken the strain – you might experience light loss of bladder control for a while afterwards. 

 

If you feel you’re the only person experiencing little leaks, remind yourself that they’re common after birth. And that your body’s doing a great job adjusting to all the changes.

You might have them during the later stages of pregnancy and the first few weeks after giving birth. Or you could have the odd accident for a longer period of time. 

 

Although little leaks are common, they can seem like a big deal. Wearing a thin liner means you won’t have to worry about accidents. lights by TENA keep you dry and protected – meaning no more walking around in wet knickers until you find time to change.

 

If you’re worried that something more serious is happening with your bladder, it’s worth booking an appointment with your doctor.

Take time to pee properly

Increase the minutes between toilet visits

Stay well hydrated

You might be tempted to pop a period liner in your pants because you already have some in your bathroom cabinet. But lights by TENA gives you “5 in 1 freshness” (1. Fast 2. Dry 3. Secure 4. Breathable 5. Odour control) in away ordinary liners usually don’t.

 

They also feature FeelFresh Technology^TM to manage urine odour. And they come in a handy pack that’s thin enough to slip into your handbag, or your baby’s nappy bag. For more info on our lights by TENA liners, check our product page.