Managing the Less Glamorous Symptoms of Pregnancy

Let’s face it, ladies, the 8th month of pregnancy can be summed up in one word: uncomfortable! Heartburn and indigestion, Braxton Hicks contractions, swollen feet and ankles, trouble sleeping and consequential fatigue are all taking a toll on your body. 

Additionally, your baby is still growing and starting to push against other organs in your body including your lungs, making it difficult to breathe, and your bladder, making it difficult to… well, hold it.  Between frequent trips to the restroom, you may also notice that you leak a little when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or partake in any sort of physical activity. 

In fact, about 70% of women will experience bladder leakage during or after pregnancy.  Luckily, there are several options which can help you manage your symptoms.

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One option is to perform pelvic floor exercises, known as kegels. These are done to strengthen the muscles which support your bladder, uterus, and rectum.  Not only do these exercises help prepare you for labor by training your body to control and relax the pelvic muscles used during child birth, they promote perineal healing afterward as well. 

These muscles are also key to bladder control, and a weak pelvic floor may lead to more frequent leaks.  Kegel exercises are done by contracting the muscles you would typically use to stop urination mid-stream.  Hold this contraction for 5-10 seconds, then release.  Repeat these steps 5-10 times, 3-5 times per day. 

Additionally, there are protective hygiene products like liners and bladder control pads which can help you manage your symptoms. However, rather than reaching for products designed for bladder leaks, many women resort to using maxi pads. 

Maxi pads are not ideal because they absorb at a slower rate since they are designed to manage smaller amounts of liquid of a different consistency than urine.  Maxi pads can also be bulky, cumbersome, and uncomfortable – and one more element of discomfort is the last thing you need right now!

Protective hygiene products are made specifically for bladder leaks so they absorb liquid faster while also retaining more of that liquid. Many products even spare you bulky discomfort of using a maxi pad.

For example, Prevail® Liners are over 60% thinner* and lock in 2X more wetness** than Always® Regular Size 1 Maxi Menstrual Pads.  Additionally, Prevail® Liners are 100% breathable so air can get in, while letting heat and humidity out. Best of all, they are individually wrapped so you can grab, go, and get on with your day.

Still have questions about pre- and post-natal bladder leakage or about additional products?  Ask us anything at prevail.com or contact one of our e-Nurses, who are available 24/7, at 866-573-3776