Everything you need to know about pregnancy incontinence

Incontinence Treatment, West Malling, Kent

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge many expecting mothers face is urinary incontinence. Understanding what it is, why it occurs, and how to manage it can significantly improve your quality of life during this special time. In this blog, we will explore pregnancy incontinence, exercises to help manage it, and the benefits of using Emsella for effective treatment.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common condition that many women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. The severity can range from occasional minor leaks to frequent, uncontrollable wetting. The condition can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing, affecting daily activities and overall wellbeing.

Why Does Urinary Incontinence Occur During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, several physiological changes take place that can contribute to urinary incontinence. One of the main reasons is the increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus. As the baby develops, the added weight places stress on the pelvic floor muscles, which can weaken them. Hormonal changes also play a significant role, as increased levels of relaxin and progesterone can cause the pelvic tissues to become more relaxed and less supportive.

Additionally, pregnancy can lead to frequent urination, especially in the third trimester when the baby’s head is pressing against the bladder. This pressure can cause stress incontinence, which is the leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Exercises to Improve Pregnancy Incontinence

Fortunately, there are exercises you can do at home to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help manage incontinence. One of the most effective exercises is Kegel exercises. To perform Kegels, simply contract the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat this several times throughout the day.

Another beneficial exercise is pelvic tilts. While on your hands and knees, arch your back like a cat and then relax it back down. This exercise not only strengthens your pelvic floor but also helps alleviate back pain commonly experienced during pregnancy.

Additionally, prenatal yoga and Pilates can be very helpful. These practices often include movements and poses that engage and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve overall muscle tone, and promote relaxation and stress relief.

Effective Treatment with Emsella

While exercises can significantly improve incontinence, some women may require additional support. Emsella is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscle contractions.

During an Emsella session, you sit comfortably on a special chair that delivers thousands of pelvic floor contractions in a single session, equivalent to performing thousands of Kegel exercises. The treatment is painless and requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for busy mothers-to-be.

Emsella is particularly effective because it targets the entire pelvic floor area, providing a more comprehensive strengthening than exercises alone. Many women report significant improvements in their incontinence symptoms after just a few sessions.

Urinary incontinence during pregnancy is a common issue that can be effectively managed with the right approach. Understanding the causes and implementing pelvic floor exercises can greatly alleviate symptoms. For those seeking more robust treatment, Emsella offers a highly effective and non-invasive solution. By addressing incontinence proactively, you can enjoy a more comfortable and confident pregnancy journey.

If you’d like to learn more about the options, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.