Embarrassing leaking problem

I've 3 kids and not had this but maybe go doctors see if they can help. I know it happens to lots of people though quite normal for most mums. Just make sure u change underwear and clothes alot when do leak x

Hi

When you say you are doing your pelvic floor exercises, what exactly are you doing? Are you just doing kegals? If so then stop. Kegals alone are not the most effective way of managing pelvic floor leakages and also a lot of people do kegals incorrectly without being able to feel their pelvic floor first.

Your pelvic floor is a complicated thing really. A lot of people think of their pelvic floor as being a single component, but its not, not really.

As an example, you have a muscle that runs directly from your foot to your pelvic floor, therefore, any issues in your feet that you might have, especially from pregnancy) will affect your pelvic floor. In the same relation, if your diapragm is squished a bit more from pregnancy, that will directly affect your pelvic floor. That is because for the diaphragm to work properly, you need to take 360 degree breaths in your lungs so the ribcage expands in all directions.

The other reason why only doing kegals ( i get its harder to do more during pregnancy) is ineffective is that your pelvic floor is already at its most stretched which will cause tightness as it is. For your pelvic floor to work at its most efficient, it needs to relax and contract. So as you inhale the pelvic floor relaxes, and as you exhale the pelvic floor contracts, think a balloon inflating and deflating.

For the pelvic floor to be at it most effective you need four factors all in place.

Breath, everything in alignment which obviously isnt the case in pregnancy, co-ordination then strength and hip strength. If any of those four factors are impacted, then your pelvic floor will be affected.

If you can manage it, Id stick with the kegals, try and get some deeper breaths (try this, inhale and let everything relax and then exhale as if you were blowing out a candle) Also if you can manage it, try to do some third trimester yoga even if its just getting the hips moving a bit more and get hubby to massage your feet, and get some movement into your feet (taking them round in small circles, toe wiggling), all of this stuff will be helpful

Hi Fiona,

We've moved your thread to our Pregnancy board, as we think it's a more appropriate place for this topic and you’re more likely to get responses here.

Hi, see a gp and ask for a referral to a pelvic floor physio. There are lots of exercises you can do, but best to have expert advice.

It's not always a pelvic floor issue, or so my specialist says, it can be caused by a few things including if you had stitches after your first delivery which can cause scar tissue. My issues stem from my IBS and severe bloating. They checked my pelvic floor, awkward!, and it's spot on. Now they are treating the bloating, or trying. Worth asking advise to find the issue but there is an awful lot of pressure on your bladder right now. I would keep up with the exercises, make sure you don't hold your breath while doing them and also take the time to fully empty your bladder, rocking forwards and side to side on the loo.

Hello, I would agree regarding the pelvic floor physio. They are the experts. They will assess your needs & devise a plan suitable for you.