Pregnancy brings all sorts of changes, and for many women, incontinence is one of them. In fact, it affects up to 52% of women during pregnancy [1], and around 31% of women postpartum [2].

So just know if you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, you’re not alone. It is extremely common but shouldn’t just be accepted as ‘normal’.

In this article, we’ve got some handy tips and advice on how to take control and manage it with confidence.

Understanding Incontinence During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body goes through some incredible changes to support your growing baby.

But with all those changes, your bladder might take on some added pressure, leading to leaks or full voids. The extra weight of your baby, hormonal shifts, and a naturally weaker pelvic floor can all lead to leaks.

There are two main types of incontinence you might experience during pregnancy:

Stress Incontinence

This is the most common type of incontinence during pregnancy. It happens when the extra weight of your growing baby puts pressure on your bladder, and hormonal changes weaken the pelvic floor muscles that usually keep everything in check.

So, when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift something heavy, or even exercise, you might notice a little leak. It can become more noticeable as your pregnancy progresses and your baby gets bigger, putting even more pressure on your bladder.

Urge Incontinence

Also known as overactive bladder, this type of incontinence happens when you suddenly feel a strong, intense need to wee, and sometimes you just might not make it to the bathroom in time. It’s usually caused by a mix of hormonal changes and your growing uterus putting extra pressure on your bladder.

During pregnancy, your bladder can also become super sensitive, leading to more frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom, even when it’s not that full. You might find yourself rushing to the bathroom more often than usual, and when that urge hits, it can be really hard to hold it in.

The good news?

For many women, these symptoms usually get better as your body recovers after childbirth. But it’s also important to know that for some, incontinence might stick around a bit longer—and that’s totally okay. The main thing is, there’s lots of support out there to help you manage it.

Managing Incontinence During Pregnancy

Managing incontinence during pregnancy can actually be pretty empowering, and there are a few strategies that can really help:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles is one of the best ways to cut down on leaks. You can watch our pelvic floor video series with physiotherapist Winnie Wu for some easy, at-home exercises. However, it’s always recommended you seek tailored advice from a pelvic physio before you begin.
  
  

• Bladder Training Techniques: This involves gradually stretching out the time between bathroom trips to train your bladder to hold more. It’s a simple, but effective way to regain some control.
  
  

• Lifestyle Modifications: Keeping a healthy weight, watching your fluid intake, and steering clear of bladder irritants like caffeine and spicy foods can make a big difference too.
  
  

• Using Incontinence Aids: Sometimes, a little extra help can make a big difference. Incontinence pads made for women’s urine leaks can keep you dry and comfortable all day long. They’re discreet, easy to use, and can give you the peace of mind to go about your day without worrying about leaks.
  
  

Postpartum Incontinence: What to Expect After Childbirth

Childbirth can really take a toll on your pelvic floor muscles, which is why so many new mums experience postpartum incontinence, especially after a vaginal delivery. Those pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder and other organs can get stretched or weakened during pregnancy and birth, leading to leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or suddenly need to go.

Postpartum incontinence is pretty common, especially in those first few weeks after childbirth. For most women, it gets better as the body heals, but sometimes those leaks can stick around a bit longer. If it does, it’s really important to get help sooner rather than later.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a real game-changer, with targeted exercises and techniques to strengthen your pelvic floor and help you regain control. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for support— with the right approach, you can make a big difference, and even get rid of postpartum incontinence altogether.

Finding the Right Incontinence Products

You can reduce the discomfort of urine leaks during pregnancy and postpartum by choosing incontinence products that match your specific needs. Our European-made Dailee women’s incontinence pads come in various absorbency levels, with the highest being 1000mL. They feature an ultra-dry core that quickly absorbs moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Plus, they’re dermatologically tested to be gentle on your skin. Despite their high absorbency, these pads are slim and fit snugly to your body, so you can move through your day with confidence.

Just a heads-up—regular menstrual pads won’t work for urine leaks, as they’re not designed for that level of absorbency.

When It’s Time to Get Help for Incontinence

It’s important to know when to get help. If incontinence is starting to mess with your daily life or isn’t improving like you hoped, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. Don’t be shy—your doctor is there to help, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Just be open about what you’re going through so you can get the support you need.

Thriving During Pregnancy and Beyond

Incontinence during and after pregnancy is common and totally manageable. You’re definitely not alone, and there’s lots of support out there. By taking a few proactive steps and reaching out for help when you need it, you can keep those symptoms in check and get back to enjoying life with your little one.

If you’re looking for some extra support, check out our our range of women's incontinence products.

There’s something for every level of incontinence, and they’re perfect for managing pregnancy or postpartum leaks. They really will help you feel secure and confident during this special time.