Women can experience incontinence symptoms during pregnancy, but it is just as common for women to struggle with postpartum incontinence. After all the soreness and pain of pregnancy and childbirth, the reality incontinence issues can continue or begin postpartum can be frustrating for women.
Symptoms can last up to 6 weeks or longer. It is recommended, if symptoms persist longer than 6 weeks, to consult a doctor. Depression, bleeding, fatigue, and constipation are some of the other unwelcome issues women may struggle with after giving birth. One of the most common is postpartum incontinence, but there are ways to mitigate and manage the symptoms.
The main factor why women may experience incontinence after childbirth is the stress upon the bladder and pelvis muscles during childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles are very important for control of the bladder; being able to hold urine in without leakage and get to the bathroom in time if one feels urgency can be problematic if those muscles have been weakened during childbirth. Age and obesity are important risk factors too: Women older than 35 and those who are obese do face a greater risk for urinary incontinence following childbirth.
The good news is that most women can recover with discipline and effective treatment treatment options. They include:
- Dietary changes: avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol & spicy foods
- Lose weight: this will ease pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor
- Quit smoking: nicotine impacts the bladder muscles & coughing can cause leakage
- Stay hydrated: do not stop drinking water. Dehydration or urinary tract infections are not preferable to reducing your need to urinate.
- Utilize adult underwear and other incontinence products for protection
Other Options to Treat Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth
Kegel exercises: these exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The good news is they can be done at any time.
Try to establish and maintain a regular bathroom schedule. This will help control your bladder and manage events that break the normal routine.
There are some prescription medications that can slow down an overactive bladder. Please consult with a doctor to find the best and safest option.
Please contact us for any assistance with incontinence products, including underwear, skin balm and washcloths to increase your comfort and confidence. Our products have helped women with postpartum incontinence, see our latest testimonial video.