Having a baby is a life-changing event. But with all the joy that comes with a new baby, there are also some challenges. One of these challenges is postpartum incontinence.

Postpartum incontinence is loss of control over the bladder and/or bowel movements that occurs after childbirth. Here are some causes, symptoms, and treatments for postpartum incontinence.

Causes of Postpartum Incontinence

Postpartum incontinence is very common, affecting up to half of all women who have given birth. The causes of postpartum incontinence are many. Here are a few of the most common:.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth place a great deal of strain on a woman’s pelvic muscles. These muscles help to control the bladder and bowel. When these muscles are weakened, incontinence can occur.

This weakening can also happen as a result of vaginal delivery, especially if there was a difficult labor or the baby was large.

Hormonal Changes

The body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth. These hormonal changes can also weaken the pelvic muscles and contribute to incontinence.

Cesarean Delivery

Women who have cesarean deliveries can also experience incontinence. This may be because of the pressure that the baby puts on the pelvic muscles during pregnancy.

Obesity

Obesity can also contribute to postpartum incontinence. Being overweight puts extra strain on the pelvic floor muscles, making them weaker and more prone to incontinence.

Symptoms of Postpartum Incontinence

The symptoms of postpartum incontinence can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms of postpartum incontinence include:.

Leaking urine during physical activity, such as exercising or laughing
Leaking urine when coughing or sneezing
Feeling an urgent need to urinate
Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty after urinating
Leaking stool

Treatments for Postpartum Incontinence

If you are experiencing postpartum incontinence, don’t be shy about discussing it with your doctor. There are several treatments that can be very effective. Here are a few:.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and bowel. Kegel exercises, in particular, are very effective.

These exercises involve squeezing and releasing the pelvic muscles, which can help to improve muscle tone and control.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation can also be used to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This involves placing electrodes on the skin over the pelvic muscles and using a mild electrical current to stimulate the muscles.

Medications

There are some medications that can help to reduce the symptoms of postpartum incontinence. These medications work by relaxing the bladder muscles, which can help to reduce the urge to urinate.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat postpartum incontinence. This is typically only done in severe cases, where other treatments have not been effective.

Conclusion

Postpartum incontinence can be embarrassing and inconvenient. But it is also very common, and there are several effective treatments available. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum incontinence, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.