Care, Empathy and Trust
Obstetrician, gynaecologist, ivf specialist
BLADDER & BOWEL SYMPTOMS
Constipation
It is common to have decreased frequency of passing stools ,or straining more than usual or being unable to completely empty . bowels. Constipation can also cause stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small. The underlying cause is the decreased gut motility in response to hormones.
Treatment is to usually increase fibre diet, drink plenty of water, and usually avoid Iron supplementation because it can aggravate the constipation
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also known as ‘piles’, are enlarged and swollen veins in or around the lower rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids can occur because hormones make veins relax and can cause itch, ache or feel sore. They may also bleed a little and can make going to the toilet uncomfortable or painful.
Hemorrhoids usually disappear within weeks after the birth.
Treatment is to avoid constipation, and use lubricating/anti hemorrhoidal cremes.
Frequent Unrination
The need to frequently urinate (pass water, or pee) often starts from early in your pregnancy. Sometimes it continues right through pregnancy. Inn early pregnancy, it’s because of the growing uterus as well as the increase in hormones and in third trimester, it is because of the pressure of the head on the bladder. Sometimes there is increased frequency at night.
If there is no pain, no blood in Urine and no illness symptoms, it is unlikely to be urinary infection, however, if any concerns, it is prudent to check Urine for infection as there may be UTI.
Increased Urinary infection is caused by the stasis (collection) of urine in bladder which makes it prone to infection.
Incontinence
Pregnancy-related urinary incontinence is a common problem. One out of three women (34 per cent) developed urinary incontinence during pregnancy and the same number said the problem continued one year on from having their baby.
Pregnancy-related incontinence can be treated without drugs or surgery through exercises and advice that improve the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. NICE guidelines recommend women complete regular pelvic floor exercises in their first and subsequent pregnancies to reduce the risk of the condition developing. If you do suffer with incontinence, the guidelines also recommend that you should receive at least three months of supervised pelvic floor muscle training as a first-line treatment of the condition.