How can I identify if I have Pregnancy Incontinence

If you’re carrying, or have recently had a child, there’s a chance you may experience pregnancy related incontinence. The weight of a baby and the stress of labour both contribute to a weak pelvic floor. Many women experience symptoms such as:

• Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, lifting, laughing or exercising
• Inability to control passing wind
• An urgent need to empty the bladder or bowel
• A leaky bowel motion after going to the toilet
• Difficulty passing a bowel motion
• The feeling of a lump or dragging sensation in the vagina (this may indicate a prolapse)

Urine or amniotic fluid?

It may be difficult to tell the difference between stress incontinence and leakage of amniotic fluid (your ’waters’) during your last few weeks of pregnancy.

When your waters break, amniotic fluids leak from your vagina — it may be a gush or just a trickle. Even though you’re probably moving slowly and carefully, amniotic fluid usually leaks out when you stand after being lying or sitting for a long time and unable to control it. Amniotic fluid doesn’t usually smell and is usually colourless (although it may contain specks of mucus or blood).

Urine, however, tends to leak when you cough, laugh, sneeze or move suddenly, even if you’re lying down. It can be clear, or straw coloured but usually has a distinctive odour.

If you think you’re leaking amniotic fluid, or your fluid has meconium in it (generally a dark green), contact your midwife, doctor or labour ward immediately.

How can I manage incontinence?

POISE® have a wide product offering of Liners and Pads that are all specially designed to help light bladder leakage protection and pregnancy incontinence care. It is 2X more absorbent^ than period products, but all in a discreet manner and by keeping you comfortable.

To learn more about the products available, and find the right product for you, visit our POISE® products page.

Incontinence can affect women of all ages. Poise liners and pads are specifically designed to help women easily manage bladder leakage in everyday life. Sign for a free sample pack now!

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