If a recent sneeze or laugh made you wet your pants a little bit, don't worry. It's a normal, if slightly embarrassing, part of pregnancy. It happens for the same reason you may be getting up a lot at night to urinate. Your growing babies and uterus put pressure on your bladder. So even a little cough can trigger a leak. Don't worry. This will clear up after your babies are born.
Call Doctor If:
- You have a steady trickle of a clear or straw-colored, odorless fluid. This could mean your amniotic membrane has ruptured.
- There is blood in your urine.
- It hurts or burns when you urinate. You may have a urinary tract infection. This should be treated right away.
Step-by-Step Care:
- Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Squeeze the muscles you use to stop urinating and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 to 20 times at least three times a day. This may also help your muscles prepare for labor and delivery.
- Take frequent bathroom breaks. Don't try to "hold it" when you have the urge to go. You're more likely to leak if your bladder is too full.
- Lean forward a little when you urinate to empty your bladder all the way.
- Make sure to empty your bladder before exercising.
- Wear a sanitary pad or panty shield to catch leaks.
- Avoid coffee, tea, colas, and other caffeinated drinks. These can make you urinate more often.
