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Bladder and bowel problems during pregnancy

2-minute read

During pregnancy, many women experience some rather unpleasant conditions like constipation, needing to urinate more frequently, incontinence and haemorrhoids (piles). Maintaining a healthy diet (nutrition) and doing regular exercise (movement) can help make your pregnancy a bit less uncomfortable.

Constipation

You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes in your body. Constipation can mean that you are not passing stools (faeces/poo) as often as you normally do, you have to strain more than usual or you are unable to completely empty your bowels. Constipation can also cause your stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small.

Learn more about constipation during pregnancy.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids, also known as 'piles', are enlarged and swollen veins in or around the lower rectum and anus. Anyone can get haemorrhoids — they don’t just happen in pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, haemorrhoids can occur because of constipation and/or pressure from the enlarging baby and uterus.

Haemorrhoids may itch, ache, feel sore or even bleed. You can sometimes feel the lumpiness of them around your anus. They may also make going to the toilet uncomfortable or painful. You may also notice pain when passing a stool and a discharge of mucus afterwards. Sometimes you may feel as though your bowels are still full and need emptying.

Learn more about haemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Frequent urination

The need to frequently urinate (pass water, or pee) often starts from early in your pregnancy. Sometimes it continues right through pregnancy. In later pregnancy, the need to frequently urinate results from the baby pressing or resting on your bladder.

Learn more about frequent urination during pregnancy.

Incontinence

Incontinence can be a common problem, and it can affect you both during and after pregnancy. Sometimes pregnant women are unable to prevent a sudden spurt of urine or a small leak when they cough, laugh or sneeze, or when they move suddenly, or just get up from a sitting position. This may be temporary, because the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles around the bladder) relax slightly to prepare for the baby's delivery. You can help to prevent incontinence by doing pelvic floor exercises.

Learn more about incontinence during pregnancy.

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Last reviewed: November 2021


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Frequent urination during pregnancy

Having to urinate more often during pregnancy is very common. Find out why it happens and how you can reduce it.

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Bladder and bowel incontinence during pregnancy

Incontinence of your bladder (wee) or bowel (poo) is quite common during pregnancy. Find out what causes it, and how you can help prevent it.

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Constipation in children - MyDr.com.au

When children are constipated, they have stools that are hard, dry and difficult (or painful) to pass. Constipation in kids is usually behavioural and caused by their decision to delay going to the toilet. 

Read more on myDr website

Constipation - Better Health Channel

Most cases of constipation are treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids, and exercising daily.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Antenatal Care during Pregnancy

Once you are pregnant, your first antenatal appointment will ideally take place when you are about 6 to 8 weeks pregnant.

Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection women get in pregnancy, but there are ways to lower the risk of developing one.

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Bladder weakness after birth

Leaking urine after childbirth is very common. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but there are ways to improve bladder weakness.

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Incontinence insights | Jean Hailes

Don't put up with leakage. Incontinence is not just preventable, but treatable – and in many cases, even curable.

Read more on Jean Hailes for Women's Health website

What to expect when seeing a women’s pelvic health/continence physiotherapist | Continence Foundation of Australia

What to expect when seeing a women’s pelvic health/continence physiotherapist. The Australian Physiotherapy Association’s women’s health physiotherapist Jenny Phillips tells us what to expect when seeking help from a physio for incontinence problems.

Read more on Continence Foundation of Australia website

Pregnancy health problems & complications | Raising Children Network

Many pregnancy health problems are mild, but always call your doctor if you’re worried about symptoms. A healthy lifestyle can help you avoid health problems.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

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