Three Potential Issues with Urination Post-Pregnancy
Postpartum incontinence: A common concern for new mothers and how to manage it
Childbirth marks the arrival of a new family member, accompanied by a myriad of physical changes. One such change, affecting a significant number of women postpartum, is incontinence - the loss of bladder control. While it may appear daunting, it is a common and manageable issue.
Following a demanding process, vaginal delivery often results in stretched muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor, weakening their support of the bladder and urinary sphincter. This weakness can lead to stress incontinence, characterized by leakage when engaging in activities like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or jumping, and an increased urge to visit the bathroom.
Stress Incontinence
Addressing stress incontinence primarily involves exercising the pelvic floor muscles to restore control. Dr. Hilary Pentz, a physical therapist specializing in prenatal and postnatal treatment, explains that Muscles that have been weakened may not respond effectively to a Kegel exercise, as they have been stretched and weakened. By imagining there's a tampon inside and preventing it from being pulled, patients can effectively perform Kegels for optimal results.
In addition to traditional Kegels, there are five exercises specifically targeting pelvic floor muscles: concentric, eccentric, isometric, mountain, and elevator contractions. These exercises vary in movement and intensity, helping to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve control during daily activities.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence differs from stress incontinence as it relates to a strong and sudden urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom visits. This type of incontinence may be influenced by factors like diet. A diet rich in acidic foods such as caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, can contribute to the urgency felt. By making dietary changes, those experiencing urge incontinence may find relief.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence combines characteristics of both stress and urge incontinence, treating each symptom according to its specific type to achieve optimal relief.
Provider Options
Seeking help from a urogynecologist can be valuable for those wanting to manage postpartum incontinence. Not only can these professionals assess the type of incontinence a woman is experiencing, but they can also offer resources such as pelvic floor therapy, medications, or dietary suggestions to alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, a urogynecologist can evaluate the need for surgery. The National Institutes of Health recommends periodic assessments to determine the most appropriate treatment for urinary incontinence.
Postpartum Mental Health
The emotional and physical demands of caring for a newborn can make finding time for pelvic floor exercises challenging. Early intervention is essential to restore muscle function and prevent other complications, such as pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Pentz emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and dedicating time to pelvic floor exercises in the first year postpartum.
- Implementing exercise routines such as Kegels and specialized pelvic floor exercises can significantly help in managing postpartum incontinence.
- Stretched pelvic floor muscles, resulting from childbirth, often necessitate targeted exercises for effective control.
- Mental health, during the postpartum period, is crucial for new mothers to allocate time for self-care and pelvic floor exercises.
- Aiming for a balanced diet during parenthood, particularly avoiding acidic foods, can improve symptoms of urge incontinence.
- Self-care, not only physical exercises but also taking care of one's mental health, is vital in managing postpartum incontinence and other health concerns.
- Science offers various therapies and treatments for those struggling with postpartum incontinence at various intensities, from pelvic floor therapy to medication.
- In the workplace-wellness discourse, addressing and managing conditions like postpartum incontinence can foster a healthier environment for working mothers.
- Chronic diseases like cardiovascular health issues may intersect with postpartum incontinence, necessitating collaborative care between specialists.
- Many medical-conditions, such as cancer, chronic diseases, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, skin-conditions, and respiratory or digestive health issues, can also impact women's health, including postpartum incontinence.
- Topical therapies like CBD may offer relief for several skin-related issues that can co-occur with postpartum incontinence.
- Lifestyle adjustments, from diet and exercise to stress management, play a crucial role in managing postpartum incontinence and overall health.
- Eye-health, hearing, and even relationships are integral parts of one's health and wellness that can influence postpartum experiences and management of conditions like incontinence.
- Traveling during pregnancy or postpartum may require additional considerations for managing incontinence and overall health, given the demands and disruptions of travel.
- Bonding with pets and caring for them can provide emotional support during the postpartum period, helping new mothers cope with the physical changes and demands of parenthood.
- Menopause marks another critical phase for women's health, where common symptoms like urinary incontinence may resurface, necessitating revisiting lifestyle and treatment strategies adopted during and after childbirth.
