Published on: 7/4/2025
Why might some women experience leaking pee while pregnant?
Some women might leak pee during pregnancy because their growing baby puts pressure on the bladder, and hormonal changes can affect bladder control.
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Explanation
During pregnancy, many women experience urinary incontinence, which means they might leak pee. This happens because the baby grows and puts pressure on the bladder, making it harder for the bladder to hold urine. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the muscles that control the bladder, making it more likely for leaks to happen.
Why It Happens
- Pressure from the Baby: As the baby grows, it pushes down on the bladder. This pressure can cause leaks, especially when laughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones change a lot during pregnancy. These changes can relax the muscles that help control the bladder, making leaks more common.
Other Considerations
- Before Pregnancy: Some women might have had urinary incontinence even before getting pregnant. This can make it more likely to happen during pregnancy.
- After Delivery: Urinary incontinence can also happen after the baby is born, whether the delivery was vaginal or by cesarean section.
Understanding these changes can help women know what to expect and seek help if needed.
(References)
- Martínez Franco E, Parés D, Lorente Colomé N, Méndez Paredes JR, & Amat Tardiu L. (2014). Urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Is there a .... European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 25262291.
- Daly D, Clarke M, & Begley C. (2018). Urinary incontinence in nulliparous women before and .... International urogynecology journal, 29362836.
- Rortveit G, Daltveit AK, Hannestad YS, Hunskaar S, & Norwegian EPINCONT Study. (2003). Urinary incontinence after vaginal delivery or cesarean .... The New England journal of medicine, 12621134.
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