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What will happen if I get pregnant again if I currently have stress incontinence due to my last child birth?

by Vanessa
(Ontario, CA, USA)

After having my baby girl on September of 2009 I have had stress incontinence. I hate it, but I've been dealing with it and it has improved slightly. My concern is getting pregnant again. Will my bladder completely fall and be damaged? Will I not be able to leave the house for fear that urine will just come pouring out of me?? I would appreciate any information.

Answer:

Hi Vanessa,

I'm afraid I can't be too much help - I don't know a lot about stress incontinence. I do know that it's pretty normal to have a harder time "holding it" when sneezing or laughing after several pregnancies. I also know that Kegels and other pelvic exercises can help.

I would guess that another pregnancy would aggravate the condition because it places stress on the pelvic floor.

You can get a maternity belt that will help provide support to the pelvic floor. I have recently gotten a support from the Prenatal Cradle company for persistent hip pain during this pregnancy, and noticed they have supports for the pelvic floor. I believe the V2 Supporter is the pelvic floor support:

Prenatal Cradle.com