Welcoming a child into your world is a moment of joy and new beginnings. However, as you adjust to life with your newborn, you may face an unexpected issue: Postpartum urinary incontinence.
Struggles with bladder control after delivery are not uncommon among new mothers. It is essential to know that this does not have to diminish your post-birth experience. By understanding the changes in your bodily changes and the stress on your pelvic floor muscles, you can start to manage urinary incontinence after delivery. Armed with the right knowledge about urinary incontinence treatment, you are well on your way to regaining your well-being and confidence.
Why Does Urinary Incontinence Occur After Delivery?
Postpartum urinary incontinence is the unintended urine loss caused by activities that pressurise the bladder, like a hearty laugh, a sneeze, or exercise. It is often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial in supporting the bladder and urethra. Both carrying your baby and the birthing process put a lot of strain on these muscles, which can lead to a loss of bladder control, which can sometimes last long-term.
If long-term symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek a doctor's advice. A variety of gentle treatment options exist that could significantly reduce or even resolve your symptoms.
Remember, you are not alone as you journey through this post-birth phase. Recognising the signs and understanding your condition are proactive steps toward reclaiming your comfort and joy in motherhood.
Recognising Signs of Bladder Control After Delivery
Urinary incontinence can manifest as stress incontinence, which is urine loss during physical movement, or urge incontinence, which is a sudden and intense need to go to the bathroom.
These symptoms can arise from simple actions, such as lifting your child or coughing. Spotting these early signs is crucial for managing the condition and enhancing your quality of life. Home solutions and lifestyle changes can aid you, but it is worth exploring how diet and liquid control can further assist in your recovery.
Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies for Postpartum Incontinence
If you are a mother facing postpartum urinary incontinence, home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can offer significant improvements. Key strategies for managing postpartum incontinence from home include:
1. Diet and Fluid Management
To manage postpartum urinary incontinence:
- Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, citrus, spicy foods, and fizzy drinks.
- Choose a fibre-rich diet with whole grains, fruits, and veggies to prevent constipation and ease bladder pressure.
- Stay hydrated, but be mindful of your intake timing, especially before bed, to minimise nighttime discomfort.
Alongside dietary and fluid adjustments, consider the importance of physical strengthening, especially for the pelvic region.
2. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles are your bladder's allies, and keeping them strong can help prevent leaks when you laugh, cough, or stay active. However, these muscles can weaken after pregnancy and delivery, so bolstering them is essential. Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, can boost your bladder control and lower your incontinence risks.
Here is how you can start Kegel exercises:
- Find the correct muscles by trying to stop urine midstream.
- In a relaxed position, contract these muscles for five seconds, then release for five, without tensing your stomach, thighs, or buttocks.
- Aim for three sets of 10 reps daily to build consistency.
- As you progress, extend each muscle hold and increase repetitions.
Watch how your body reacts to these exercises, and remember, other options are available if needed.
Medical Interventions for Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
When lifestyle modifications and pelvic floor exercises do not fully ease your postpartum urinary incontinence symptoms, your doctor may suggest medications for urge incontinence.
These medications work by calming the bladder to lessen symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your unique situation. While these interventions can offer relief, sometimes more definitive solutions are needed.
Beyond medications, non-surgical options like Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) and pessary use exist. PTNS involves electrical impulses to the tibial nerve to adjust nerve signals linked to incontinence. A pessary, placed in the vagina, supports vaginal tissues and helps manage bladder leaks.
If these are not enough, discussing surgical options with your healthcare provider could provide a lasting fix for severe urinary incontinence cases.
Seeking Medical Advice for Postpartum Incontinence
When facing postpartum urinary incontinence as a new mother, it is important to know when to get medical advice. While a certain level of incontinence post-childbirth is normal, some symptoms demand a healthcare professional's attention.
Watch for these signs:
- Incontinence lasting over six weeks post-delivery.
- Painful urination or urgency with minimal urine.
- Lower belly pain, bad-smelling urine, or fever.
- Worsening urine leakage or leakage tied to a strong need to urinate.
- Discomfort or pain during urination.
- Blood traces in the urine.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider without delay. Prompt care can lead to better treatments and a swifter return to normal, allowing you to cherish your time as a mother fully.
Enhancing Quality of Life Beyond Postpartum Incontinence
Motherhood is a journey filled with challenges and rewards, and managing postpartum urinary incontinence can seem challenging. But you are not facing this alone. With lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and advanced treatments, you have a host of choices to regain your peace and confidence.
Consider JOGO’s cutting-edge digital therapeutics solutions, which are non-invasive and have been approved by the American Urological Association. JOGO Clinic is ready to support you through this. To learn how JOGO’s therapies can help you, book an appointment today and step forward into a life unburdened by incontinence.
FAQs
How does digital therapeutics aid in managing postpartum incontinence?
Digital therapeutics offer support for postpartum incontinence through:
- Personalised pelvic floor exercises
- Real-time feedback on exercise performance
- Progress tracking tools
- Education on bladder health
- Reminders for consistent exercise practice
Why do I have urinary incontinence at night after post-childbirth?
Experiencing urinary incontinence at night following childbirth is quite common. Several factors contribute to this issue:
- The pelvic floor muscles may stretch and weaken during pregnancy and childbirth, impacting bladder control.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also relax pelvic tissues.
- A vaginal delivery can more directly affect the bladder and surrounding muscles.
It often improves within the first few weeks postpartum as tissues recover. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable if it persists or affects your life. Treatments include pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, medication or surgery may be required.
When should I seek help for postpartum incontinence?
- Consult a doctor or pelvic health specialist if experiencing incontinence six weeks post-delivery.
- Seek help if you had incontinence before, during, or after pregnancy.
- Address it early to avoid long-term issues.
- Contact a professional if leakage has not improved with initial exercises or lifestyle changes.
- If postpartum incontinence persists for months or affects your quality of life, don't hesitate to reach out for medical advice and treatment options.
