Mistaking urine for water breaking

[anniepie1976]

Hello. Well, I am officially 40 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I have a concern. This morning I had a coughing spell and when I was coughing I ended up with a HUGE puddle on the ground. I had thought my water broke! I called the doctor and went in and it turns out it was urine. Now, I have had urine leakage problems throughout this pregnancy and have been wearing pads. But this went through my pad and literally a puddle! I never had this much come out! I'm just wondering if anyone could tell me...is this a pregnancy thing or is it an IC thing? Has anyone else experienced this? I'm glad I was not in public wetting my pants! I just don't understand how it was so much. Is my bladder that messed up? Once I deliver this baby what are my chances of my bladder going back to normal or is this permanant? Does urine incontinence get better? I was in doing so well with my IC for many years before I got pregnant and it all went to hell since this pregnancy. I'm really scared. Besides that it was quite a tease thinking I was ready to deliver! I would really appreciate if anyone can help give me some insight on this. Thank you, Ann

[Melanie]

Ann,
It's very common for "normal" woman (without IC) to experience incontinence during the last trimester and for a few months following vaginal delivery. Most women are told to do kegels before and after delivery. I find it most helpful to use something (like a vaginal dialator or finger) to do kegels. It's just as impt to contract and hold... as it is to properly release and relax the muscles. Most women recover from incontinence after a few months.
Your experience may or may not be related to your IC. Be sure to keep your OB/GYN and your Uro updated and involved.

[KeeKee]

Hi Ann,

I'm sure you're ready to have that little one! I didn't experience incontinence during my pregnancy (way prior to IC), but both my mother and sister did during their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I've always heard about it being pretty common even in non-IC pregnancies. I think for most people it goes away soon after delivery--it did for both my sister and mother. So don't panic--it's probably just temporary. I remember every time my sister laughed hard while she was pregnant, she'd have to go change her pants! But now, she's completely back to normal. Hope this helps!

[ICNDonna]

Sounds like you are more than ready to deliver. And incontinence is fairly common in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Donna

[work it]

okay maybe by now you have already delivered by I have to tell you my story because it hit home with me lol. Sept 1 2005 I woke up at 4am thinking I was wetting the bed. Got up went to the bathroom and then went back to bed. After getting kids off to school I was still leaking and just thought okay its my IC or baby is laying on my bladder. I called Dr anyways and at 6:15 that night I delivered a beautiful baby.

I didn't have contractions really until around 1:00 pm. Best of luck and congrats to you and your family.

[Elle]

In case you haven't delivered yet...it's probably more of a pregnancy thing. I had all of my kids prior to IC starting, and leaked urine while pregnant with one anf not after, and with the other 2, I leaked after delivery but not during pregnancy. As for what it feels like when your water breaks, To me, it's almost like a pop, like a water balloon bursting. I swear I heard a popping sound, and definately felt it (it's not painful, though) the 2 times my water broke. If you have delivered, Congratulations!!!!!