What can I do about baby kicking bladder?

Your due date can’t arrive fast enough. Yes, you’re anxious for the new member of your family get here, but you’re also waiting for the day when you no longer have to cope with the baby kicking bladder.

So here are some ideas to help you deal with this situation. Even better, some of these suggestions can also help with postpartum recovery.

What’s going on in utero?

In the latter part of the third trimester, the baby starts to move lower in the pelvic region. This explains the added pressure on the bladder.

Furthermore, the movement, which may have been more profound during the second trimester, seems to have slowed down. However, there’s no need to worry. That’s only because of there’s less space due to the baby’s growth.

Nonetheless, you might have noticed that your insides are more affected. For example, in the beginning of the third trimester, you might have a hard time taking a deep breath. Well, the baby, while positioned higher in the womb, pushes up against the lungs slightly. Then, as time goes on, she moves lower. Thus, the baby kicking bladder becomes more frequent.

For a better understanding of what’s going on in the womb, check out this video.

What types of mild exercise help in dealing with baby kicking bladder?

Via momjunction.com

Your doctor can advise you about how to do Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. To start off with, though, here is an overview of how these exercises are done:

• Start with one set of ten Kegels and slowly increase the number
• leaf Contract the muscles that control your urine stream for about 3 seconds
• leaf Relax the muscles for 3 seconds

This process is the equivalent for one rep. If possible, as mentioned, you might try starting at one set of 10 reps. By doing these exercises regularly, you’re strengthening muscles in order to avoid accidents. Plus, the practice will facilitate faster postpartum recovery due to stronger muscles.

Another good practice to adopt is regular exercise for cardio (walking, not jogging) and strength training, especially for the back and core. Try to aim for at least 30 minutes 3 days a week. Start off small if you were not very active prior to pregnancy like 15 minutes for instance. For the best advice on an exercise regimen, contact your doctor.

What type of diet should be followed?

In regard to baby kicking bladder, your diet might be affecting your baby’s activity level. So for sure you will need to avoid caffeine as much as possible. Two important reasons include:

• Caffeine, being a stimulant, tends to trigger more activity from the bladder
• leaf Your baby won’t be as “jittery” so speak. So this might lead to less abrupt kicking
• leaf Also avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners, since they have a similar effect of triggering spasms in the muscle walls

These changes are healthy for both you and your baby. Less exposure to caffeine and sugar are ideal for a smoother pregnancy and for your baby’s development.

What are some useful products?

In the meantime, if you are still waiting for the day when your bladder is not so weak, you can always enlist the help of some products.

Here are a few suggestions:

• TENA Incontinence Pads for Women: these 13” pads absorb moisture and odor and protects against sudden leaks
• leaf Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear for Women: this contoured incontinence underwear, with Double LeakGuards, provide extra protection throughout the day. There is elastic that wraps all the way around to provide a snug yet comfortable fit that is less bulky

Also, having these products on hand for after giving birth would be quite helpful since muscles are still weak from the birthing process.

What if I have pain?

Sometimes, you might feel some pain or mild discomfort when the baby applies extra pressure on your bladder. For the most part, this is to be expected. Nevertheless, you should keep close watch for any changes.

If all of the sudden, you feel a sharp pain in your lower pelvic area that triggers incontinence, it might not necessarily be the baby kicking bladder. Some other possible causes include:

• Baby’s position right over or on the cervix (in other words, the cervix receives the blow from the movement
• leaf Looser ligaments that support the uterus
• leaf Lack of magnesium (symptoms include muscle pain)

If this pain continues and/or is accompanied by fever and painful urination, then you should contact your doctor immediately.

The Take-away

So remember that there are steps that you can take to deal with bladder incontinence during the last part of pregnancy:

• Ask your doctor for information about Kegel exercises
• leaf Consider purchasing products that protect against leaks
• leaf Change up your diet a little to guard against bladder spasms

Basically, this is only temporary, and symptoms should subside after you’ve given birth.