Moms, you are not alone! Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common experience during motherhood, affecting many new moms. The journey of pregnancy and childbirth brings about incredible changes to your body, and understanding why bladder leaks occur and how to manage them in healthy ways can help you focus on your new little one with confidence.
How Pregnancy and Childbirth Can Cause Incontinence
The physical demands of pregnancy and labor significantly impact your pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for bladder control.
Weight of Pregnancy: Throughout your pregnancy, the increasing weight of your growing baby places continuous strain on your pelvic floor muscles, gradually weakening them.
Labor and Delivery: During labor, your birth canal stretches considerably to allow your newborn to pass through. This stretching also extends and can traumatize the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. A weakened or stretched pelvic floor directly affects your ability to control your bladder.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing postpartum urinary incontinence:
- Having your first baby
- Delivering a large baby
- Experiencing a long labor or a difficult vaginal delivery
Even if you had a cesarean section, carrying your baby through pregnancy can still weaken your pelvic muscles, and you may experience a sensitive bladder or leaks after a C-section as well.
Symptoms of Post-Pregnancy Incontinence
If you have weakened pelvic floor muscles, you might notice various symptoms of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence: Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift objects, or exercise.
- Urge Incontinence: Feeling a sudden, strong urge to empty your bladder more frequently.
- Nocturia: Waking up at night frequently to use the restroom or experiencing some leaks as you sleep.
What You Can Do About Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
The good news is that poor bladder control just after giving birth often improves as your body heals. Many women see significant improvement within the first six months postpartum.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercises):
Regular and correct pelvic floor muscle training is key to regaining strength and control. These exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowels.
Protect Your Pelvic Floor:
In the first few weeks after labor, any "pushing down" action can stress or further stretch your healing pelvic floor. Protect these muscles by following these tips:
- Squeeze, lift, and hold your pelvic floor muscles before you sneeze, cough, blow your nose, or lift an object.
- Cross your legs and squeeze them tightly together before coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid lifting heavy loads.
- Avoid exercises that make your pelvic area feel strained or put downward pressure on your pelvic floor.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If your bladder control doesn't improve after six months, or if you have any concerns, it's important to talk to your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help explore new treatment ideas or investigate other possible causes of the urinary incontinence you're experiencing. There are many effective solutions available.
Managing Leaks with the Right Protection
While you work on strengthening your pelvic floor, it's essential to manage leaks as they happen to maintain comfort and confidence. Wear light protection specifically designed for urinary incontinence.
Always Discreet Liners: These offer a thin and flexible design, featuring exclusive technology that neutralizes urine odor, providing discreet protection for light leaks.
Always Discreet Pads: For more absorption, Always Discreet pads are an excellent choice. They are up to 40% thinner* yet absorb two times more than you may need.**
*than the Leading Brand
**based on average US consumer usage
