Page 85 - April Issue

in focus: birth

The bladder connects to the urethra, the mother,bbaabbyy&&cchhiilldd AApprriill 22001111
tube through which urine leaves the body.
During urination, muscles in the wall of the
bladder contract, which forces urine out
of the bladder and into the urethra. At the
same time, sphincter muscles surrounding
the urethra relax, letting urine pass out of
the body. Incontinence will occur if your
bladder muscles suddenly contract or muscles
surrounding the urethra suddenly relax.

Pregnancy

What changes during pregnancy and
childbirth predispose some women to
experiencing female stress incontinence?
One is changes in hormones - the surge of

“No one ever tells you about
this part of pregnancy! It’s
become so bad that I get
nervous to step out in case it
happens - what can I do?”

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