Leaking A Little?

You always hear about pregnant women making frequent bathroom stops, but you don’t hear a lot about the little leaks that start to happen after the baby is born. And they do start to happen. For all those new moms who leak a little when they laugh with their newborn, here’s some information and tips from board-certified gynecologist Dr. Lauri Romanzi:

 Why it happens: More than half of all first-time pregnant moms develop bladder weakness and the number only goes up the second time around. The enlarged uterus applying pressure to the bladder, weakened pelvic floor muscles from hormonal changes and the stress of delivery are to blame for this little-discussed side-effect of pregnancy.

Tips for managing:

• Don’t sweat it: One of the best things pregnant women and new moms can do are pelvic floor exercises – you may know them as kegels.  More than 70% of mild bladder incontinence can be improved through simple muscle exercises that contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises require minimal effort and can be done anywhere – in the office, while playing with your newborn or while watching TV – no gym clothes required.  Go to www.corewellnessprogram.us to learn how to do these simple and effective exercises.

• Be prepared:  You don’t have to avoid public places, taking your baby for a walk or laughing with friends – there are now discreet liners and pads that help give you confidence through the day.   They work much better than ordinary sanitary napkins, and even absorb odor.  Check out www.tena.us for a range of products for women.

• Stay hydrated, but not all at once:  Drink small amounts of water at a time throughout the day (it’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you are nursing), but plan ahead and don’t drink too much before you get into a car or go somewhere that there is not a bathroom nearby.

• Stay positive: Luckily, bladder weakness usually goes away shortly after birth, though for some it can linger.  But remember, you are not alone in this condition – lots of pregnant women, new mothers and women in general are affected by bladder weakness (1 in 4 women experience it at some point!) and it doesn’t have to control your life.