An increase in the frequency of urination, weak bladder control, or pregnancy incontinence are hardly topics you want to discuss with anybody. This is not one of the points that will ever come up in small talk about your pregnancy, and how you are feeling when you are expecting. Yet, having trouble controlling your bladder is not at all unusual in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is absolutely normal to need to run to the bathroom very often, or to have some “leaks” when you laugh. Weak bladder control is nothing to worry about, but it is very annoying and embarrassing.
Leaking a little urine during pregnancy is a form of stress incontinence. Before you ask – no, that has nothing to do with your state of mind! Stress incontinence refers to the additional stress that your bladder is under, because your growing baby is pushing on it, and is forcing your internal organs to move into a position they are not normally in. Additionally, your bladder can’t hold as much urine as it can when you are not pregnant, again because your baby is in the way. Weak bladder control can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you suspect you have a UTI, it is important to call your doctor, because UTI’s in pregnancy can lead to pre-term labor in some cases.
So, when does this happen? Most women start noticing that they have less control over their bladder sometimes during the third trimester of pregnancy. You can counteract a weaker
bladder by going to the bathroom more often, staying hydrated well, and using panty liners in case you do lose a little now and then. You will regain complete bladder control soon after birth, when your muscles go back to normal.