A Guide to Incontinence After Childbirth

A Guide to Incontinence After Childbirth
7 April 2023

A Guide to Incontinence After Childbirth

Giving birth is a transformative experience, one that is usually filled with joy. But the process can also take a huge toll on your body, and the months following the birth can feel very uncomfortable for a range of reasons.

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common issues that women face after giving birth. Although it can cause discomfort and stress, it is important to know that incontinence is actually very common and there are many ways to manage it. Let’s discuss incontinence after childbirth, why it happens, and what you can do to manage it day to day.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It is a common problem that affects many women, and it can happen at any age. There are two types of incontinence, stress incontinence, which is caused by pressure on the bladder, and urge incontinence, which is caused by an overactive bladder. 

Women usually experience stress incontinence after giving birth, which can look like peeing after sneezing, laughing, coughing, or exercising.

Why does incontinence happen after childbirth?

During pregnancy and childbirth, the muscles and tissues in the pelvic area are stretched and weakened. This can lead to incontinence as the muscles that support the bladder and urethra are weakened. The bladder may also be displaced, which can contribute to the problem.

When does incontinence occur after childbirth?

Incontinence after childbirth can occur immediately after giving birth or may develop later on. It is not uncommon for women to experience incontinence for several weeks or even months after childbirth.

How common is incontinence after childbirth?

Incontinence after childbirth is a common problem that affects many women. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience some degree of incontinence after giving birth. 

Can incontinence after childbirth be prevented?

There are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing incontinence after childbirth. These include maintaining a healthy weight, doing pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy, and avoiding constipation. 

What can you do to manage incontinence after childbirth?

Many of the techniques you use to prevent incontinence after childbirth can also be used to manage symptoms. 

One of the most effective treatments is pelvic floor exercises, which can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing these muscles in a specific way to improve their strength and endurance. You can also try bladder training, which involves gradually increasing the time between urination to help retrain your bladder. 

In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary. Have a chat with your GP to determine the best course of treatment for your specific treatments. 

Can you develop incontinence during pregnancy? 

Yes, unfortunately, incontinence during pregnancy is also a common issue that many women experience. This is often caused by the pressure that the growing uterus puts on the bladder, which can cause urine leakage or difficulty controlling urination. Incontinence during pregnancy can be particularly challenging because it occurs at a time when women are already experiencing many physical and emotional changes. 

While incontinence during pregnancy can be temporary and resolve itself after childbirth, you can take steps to manage it, such as doing pelvic floor exercises, avoiding caffeine and other bladder irritants, and using absorbent pads or underwear like our range of incontinence pads or our all-in-one slips, for example. 

How can incontinence after childbirth affect your emotional well-being?

Incontinence after childbirth can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being. It can cause embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Many women feel ashamed or embarrassed about their incontinence and may avoid social situations as a result.

It is important to remember that incontinence after childbirth is a common problem, and that you are not alone. Talking to your GP or a therapist can be helpful in managing the emotional impact of incontinence. 

Joining a support group can also provide a safe space to share your experiences and connect with other women who are going through the same thing. 

Making sure you are comfortable on a day-to-day basis can also make it easier to deal with. Our washable pants are a great example of breathable, comfortable incontinence pants that feel like normal underwear. 

How can you avoid childbirth incontinence impacting relationships?

Incontinence after childbirth can have a significant impact on a woman's relationships, particularly with her partner. Many women feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition, and this can cause them to avoid sexual intimacy or other physical contact with their partner. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and sadness for both partners. 

It's important for women to communicate with their partner about their condition and seek support and understanding. Some couples may benefit from counselling or therapy to address the emotional impact of incontinence on their relationship.

Are there any long term impacts of incontinence after childbirth? 

While incontinence after childbirth is often temporary and can be managed, some women may experience long-term effects. One of these is ongoing incontinence, which can be caused by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage. 

This can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life, as it may limit her ability to participate in activities or cause her to avoid social situations. 

Another potential long-term effect of incontinence after childbirth is pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder or uterus, descend into the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can cause discomfort or pain.

Incontinence doesn’t have to slow motherhood down

Incontinence after childbirth can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and stressful, but it is important to know that it is common and there are ways to manage it. 

Maximise your comfort by taking a look through our range of incontinence products designed specifically with women in mind. With the right product for you and your needs, you can live in the moment and enjoy time with your newborn.