How should urinary incontinence be managed during pregnancy?

• A. Limit fluid intake
• B. Perform pelvic exercises
• C. Void every two hours
• D. Use absorbent pads

Answer: (C)

Managing urinary incontinence during pregnancy effectively involves incorporating strategies that promote pelvic health and support the physiological changes occurring in a woman's body. The choice to void every two hours aligns with this management approach.

Regular voiding helps prevent the bladder from becoming overly full, which can exacerbate incontinence symptoms. Encouraging a schedule allows the pregnant individual to establish routine bathroom visits, reducing the likelihood of sudden urges or leakage. This preventive measure can be particularly beneficial as the growing uterus exerts pressure on the bladder, increasing the risk of incontinence.

While other options may provide some degree of support—such as performing pelvic exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and using absorbent pads for comfort—voiding regularly addresses the issue directly by managing bladder capacity and minimizing the chance of accidents. Meanwhile, limiting fluid intake is generally not recommended, as adequate hydration is vital for both the mother and the fetus.