In today's article we deal with the topic: Incontinence during / after pregnancy
Incontinence during and after pregnancy: Your guide
Pregnancy and childbirth are a wonderful, but also physically demanding time for women. In addition to the familiar discomforts like nausea and back pain, involuntary urine loss can also occur.
What is incontinence?
Incontinence, also known as bladder weakness, refers to the loss of bladder control, leading to the uncontrolled release of urine. This can occur in various situations, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or carrying heavy objects.
How common is incontinence during and after pregnancy?
Incontinence is unfortunately not uncommon during and after pregnancy. Studies show that up to 60% of pregnant women and up to 30% of postpartum women suffer from some form of incontinence.
Causes of incontinence during and after pregnancy:
The causes of incontinence during and after pregnancy are varied. The most important factors are:
- The growing baby: During pregnancy, the growing baby puts pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. This can weaken the muscles and lead to involuntary urine loss.
- Hormonal changes: The hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth can affect bladder function and impair bladder control.
- Difficult birth: A long or difficult birth can lead to injuries to the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn can promote incontinence.
- Obesity: Obesity can increase pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, contributing to incontinence.
Types of incontinence:
There are different types of incontinence that can occur during and after pregnancy:
- Stress incontinence: The most common form of incontinence in pregnant and postpartum women. It occurs during physical exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or carrying heavy objects.
- Urge incontinence: Sudden and strong urge to urinate, often associated with uncontrolled loss of urine.
- Overflow incontinence: The bladder cannot hold the urine properly and it constantly drips.
- Mixed forms: Often several forms of incontinence occur simultaneously.
Treatment options:
The treatment of incontinence depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. In most cases, incontinence can be successfully treated with conservative measures. These include:
- Pelvic floor training: Targeted training of the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control.
- Tissue tightening: In the case of stress incontinence, vaginal tissue tightening can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and support the urethra.
- Medications: In some cases, medications can help improve bladder function.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct incontinence.
Tips for everyday life:
In addition to the treatment options mentioned above, there are some tips that can help you better deal with incontinence in everyday life:
- Wearing absorbent aids: Pads, liners, or pants can help absorb urine and thus protect clothing from getting wet.
- Go to the toilet regularly: Avoid filling your bladder for too long and go to the toilet regularly, even if you don't feel a strong urge to urinate.
- Avoid bladder irritants: Avoid drinks such as coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks, as these can irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate.
- Healthy weight: Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and thus contribute to incontinence.
Conclusion:
While incontinence during and after pregnancy is a common problem, it doesn't have to be a quality of life issue. With the right treatment and support, most women can manage their symptoms and lead a carefree life again.
Important:
If you suffer from incontinence, it is important that you consult your doctor or a
I hope this article has helped you.
If you have any further questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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