Fri. Dec 6th, 2024

Time to talk about the wee problem of post pregnancy urinary incontinence

It is very common for pregnant women to suffer from at least some degree of urinary incontinence. This suffering can range from mild discomfort to being a severe issue. The problem can develop at varying points during the pregnancy and after giving birth – sometimes months later.

Urinary incontinence is caused by the pelvic floor muscles weakening – which often happens during childbirth. It’s a very common issue, but some women are more susceptible to it, including women who:

  • Have had gestational diabetes
  • Had an assisted vaginal delivery (particularly if forceps were used)
  • Had a prolonged delivery or had a large baby
  • Have had any previous children (particularly if delivered vaginally)
  • Are smokers or ex-smokers

How long will it last?

It depends – for some mothers, urinary incontinence can stop completely or become much more infrequent within a few weeks after giving birth, but for others, it can last for weeks, months – or even years.

Many women get the issue under control, but then have it return later in their lives, sometimes becoming a problem again during the menopause.

Solutions

There are a few simple things that can be done to keep your urinary incontinence under control:

  1. Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which can often become weaker after giving birth. Most women will have to do them regularly and make them into a lifelong habit in order to keep the condition under control.

  1. Wear a sanitary pad

If you are worried about the issue – it might be an idea to wear a sanitary pad while you’re out to prevent urine leaking onto your clothes. This is can be a temporary tactic to give you peace of mind, while you’re finding other techniques to help.

  1. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake

There is some evidence to show consuming less caffeine can help with the issue of urinary incontinence. Try to keep track of your alcohol and caffeine intake to monitor what you’re consuming and how bad the problem is at the time. If you find they are correlated, try and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and see if it helps.

  1. Tighten your pelvic muscles

If you feel a sneeze or a cough coming on, try tightening your pelvic muscles and crossing your legs. It’s a small action that can begin to help you regain some control over your bladder.

Seek medical guidance if you find that urinary incontinence is becoming an issue for you. There are lots of techniques, products, and even surgery available to help you out. It’s a very common problem for women who’ve had children – and doesn’t have to be an issue for your whole life.

 

Advice given by Dr Elizabeth Kershaw-Yates, GP and one of the medical team at The Online Clinic

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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