Everything you need to know about managing postpartum incontinence

managing postpartum incontinence
28 August 2024

Everything you need to know about managing postpartum incontinence

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most life-changing experiences a woman can have. But alongside the joy, many women experience some unexpected physical challenges – postpartum incontinence is one of the most common.

If you’re noticing urine leakage or struggling with bladder control after childbirth, you’re not alone. In fact, postpartum urinary incontinence affects up to 31% of new mothers, especially following vaginal deliveries.

This guide will walk you through why this happens, how you can manage it, and the steps you can take to get back to feeling like yourself again.

Understanding the causes of postpartum urinary incontinence

After childbirth, particularly after a vaginal delivery, many women experience postpartum urinary incontinence – the inability to control their flow of urine.

This is because the pregnancy and delivery process can weaken your pelvic floor muscles responsible for supporting your bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs.

Pregnancy puts a lot of extra pressure on these muscles, especially during vaginal births, where the pelvic floor is stretched and strained. This can lead to urinary leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or cough – also known as stress incontinence.

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles for bladder control

The good news is that in many cases, postpartum incontinence is temporary and can improve with time, especially if you commit to pelvic floor muscle exercises.

The pelvic floor muscles act like a hammock for your bladder and help control urine release. Strengthening them is key to improving bladder function and reducing urinary leakage.

One of the most well-known ways to strengthen these muscles is through Kegel exercises, which involve tightening and releasing your pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

How to do Kegel exercises

Start by squeezing the muscles that you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Try to do this at least three times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you can hold the contraction.

It’s worth noting that pelvic floor exercises are recommended for all women, not just after childbirth. Doing them regularly will improve your pelvic muscles' overall health and reduce the risk of future bladder control issues.

Bladder training and other treatment options

In addition to pelvic floor muscle training, you might want to consider bladder training. This involves going to the toilet at set times during the day rather than waiting until you feel the urge to go.

By gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits, you can help retrain your bladder and reduce those uncontrollable urges that can lead to urinary leakage.

While exercise and bladder training can make a big difference, sometimes incontinence after pregnancy requires other treatment options. These may include:

  • Lifestyle changes – This could mean cutting back on caffeine, which can irritate the bladder, or staying hydrated to avoid concentrated urine that might irritate your bladder lining.
  • Incontinence products – During your recovery, incontinence pads and incontinence pants can offer peace of mind. These discreet, absorbent products manage urine leakage and keep you comfortable and confident.

For some women, symptoms of incontinence after childbirth may stick around, and it’s important to talk to your GP if your symptoms continue for more than six months.

What if my incontinence doesn’t go away?

Living with postpartum incontinence can be a struggle, but there are many ways to manage it. Simple adjustments to your daily routine can make a big difference:

  • Use incontinence products – High-quality incontinence pads and incontinence pants offer maximum absorbency and comfort. You can find products that are both discrete and effective, giving you the confidence to go about your day without worrying about leaks.
  • Stay active – Regular exercise helps to strengthen your body and your pelvic floor muscles but avoid high-impact activities that put extra strain on your pelvic area. Start with gentle walks or postnatal yoga.
  • Plan ahead – If you're heading out, pack extra pads or pants, especially in the early postpartum weeks when your body is still adjusting.

It’s also important to keep an eye on your overall physical health. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms like a loss of bladder control or bowel movements that feel unusual, make sure to get advice from your GP.

Manage your postpartum leaks with Incontinence Shop

Postpartum incontinence is a common experience for many women, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living your life to the fullest.

With Incontinence Shop, you’ll find a whole range of affordable, effective incontinence pads, pants, and pull-ups to help manage your postpartum incontinence symptoms.

With cheaper than supermarket prices and discreet, dependable delivery, it’s never been easier to live your best life as a new mum. Check out our range now.