Incontinence During Pregnancy (to be translated)

• Do you need to rush to the toilet as soon as you get an urge to go?
• Do you leak or feel vulnerable when you cough or sneeze?
• Do you go to the toilet ‘just in-case’?

Up to 40% of pregnant women experience some degree of incontinence.

It can be temporary after childbirth, but persists long-term for up to 43% of women.

Incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of childbirth. Daily pelvic floor muscle exercises can successfully reverse this.

It can take several months to strengthen your pelvic floor so establish a ROUTINE – combine it with something you do regularly such as feeding your baby or after going to the toilet.

Different foods & drink may irritate the bladder and therefore make symptoms of incontinence worse.

Constipation may have an impact on incontinence and straining to open your bowels can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Changing the way you sit on the toilet can help with opening your bowels.

If your Midwife has referred you to Women’s Health Physiotherapy due to urinary leakage or incontinence during pregnancy, you will be invited to attend an assessment. The assessment will last no more than 45 minutes will involve training on pelvic floor exercises.
A Physiotherapist may be able to assess your pelvic floor muscles and advise on correct technique and also lifestyle changes that may help. Please speak to your Midwife or contact us for further information.