Questionhi,
im 37 weeks i have to wear pads cause i leak all day. i had a ultrasound and the amniotic fluid level was good. i was able to determine that at sometimes when i use the restroom i leak urine when i sit down or get up. but after a full day of whereing a pad, it seems to be more than drops on urine and i know that i have read mags that suggest keeping extra pads for leakage.. what is leaking?
i am also concerned about these braxton hicks. i get them mainly at night. they are bearable but can be be often. when should i be concerned about early labor.
my last question.
this is my second child and everyone seems to be concerned with her "dropping" i read several times that normally after the first birth the next ones dont drop until actual labor. i know every case is different but how common is this.. i want to stop checking everyday to see how much ive dropped.
AnswerHi,
Congratulations on your baby! And it's probably that little girl growing your uterus out who is the cause of your urine leakage, that and the fact this is your second baby.
In your 8th and 9th month, there is significant pressure on the bladder, and the uterus pushes on the bladder, limiting. This also limits how much you can hold.
The hormones of pregnancy, especially progesterone, decrease sphincter tone as well.
Start doing Kegal exercises now. They probably won't help what's going on right now, but they will defiantly strengthen your pelvic floor so that urine doesn't continue to leak after the postpartum period. Here are some instructions on Kegals:
It may be easier to begin practicing these exercises while lying down.
1. Squeeze the muscles in your genital area as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine or trying to stop from passing gas. Some might describe it as squeezing your anus and vaginal area.
2. Try not to squeeze the muscles in your belly or legs at the same time.
3. Relax. Squeeze the muscles again and hold for 3 seconds.
4. Then relax for 3 seconds.
5. Do this 8 more times. Work up to 5 sets of 10.
When your muscles get stronger, do your exercises sitting or standing. You can do these exercises any time, while sitting at your desk, in the car, waiting in line, doing the dishes, etc.
Be patient. It may take 3 to 6 weeks before you see results.
Braxton Hicks are absolutely normal for where your at right now. You may even have more or feel them stronger because this is your second. Braxton Hicks are a great way for your uterus to prepare for birth! At 37 weeks, I would not panic. But if what seems like Braxton Hicks get stronger, longer and closer together, you could be in labor and should call your doc. Braxton Hicks contractions do not get stronger, longer or closer together. That's helpful knowing as it can help you determine true labor from false labor.
As for the dropping or lightening, it's true that in pregnancies after the first, babies tend to drop right before labor or during labor...but your right, everyone is different.
It's MORE common for 2nd time mom's to drop right before or during labor but I would not worry at all if you drop, don't drop, kinda drop or drop during labor :) And even if drop today or tomorrow, it won't tell you when she's coming, BUT it will tell you she's getting ready for her grand entrance :)
Hope that helps ease your mind a little. The urine thing is pretty common but understandable uncomfortable and annoying. If your soaking pads though, please talk to your doctor or midwife just to make sure there is not something else going on.
