Keeping a healthy bladder during and after pregnancy.
During pregnancy the bladder will become more sensitive due to the weight and pressure of your baby on your bladder and pelvic floor. This can make you need to go to the toilet more regularly during the day and night which can become bothersome!
Being mindful with what you are choosing to drink during the day can ease some of the discomfort and reduce the sense of urgency that you may be feeling.
Whether you are pregnant or not it is important that you are aware of what fluids irritate your bladder and those that do not. Irritants can give you the feeling of needing to empty your bladder even though it might not be full and this can cause over time for you to be emptying your bladder a lot more frequently than you should be.
Irritants:
- Caffeine (tea, green tea, coffee, energy drinks)
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks (sparkling water, coke, lemonade etc)
- Flavoured water
- Fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple etc)
If you are currently pregnant then you will be aware of the importance of abstaining from alcohol and limiting your caffeine intake, however you may not be aware that there are other drinks which may also irritate your bladder.
As well as fluids, nicotine can also be an irritant, so trying to quit smoking and/or vaping may also further improve the health of your bladder. The NHS can support you with this- please ask your GP.
The aim is to drink between 1.5-2l a day minimum, with the majority of this being still water. If you are breastfeeding, then you will need to consume more fluids.
If you do not empty your bladder fully when you go to the toilet this may also cause irritation. It is essential that you try and relax and not rush emptying your bladder. If you are not sure if you have emptied properly, you can rock back and forth on the toilet seat and then stand up and sit back down. If this does not help then speak with your GP. If there is also blood in your urine then this should also be checked with your GP.
Completing regular pelvic floor strengthening exercises will also help with your bladder health. If you are struggling with doing your pelvic floor exercises and are leaking faeces or urine, then you can look at the education video links on the website and self-refer if you are still having difficulties and one of the team will assess you to see how we can further support you.
Georgia Young Senior Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
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