Confronting Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth
By Stella Dimitrakakis PT, DPT, CFMT, OCS, SFMA L1, PCES
While the postpartum period is a joyous time, it may also present challenges such as urinary incontinence. Did you know that according to a Systematic Review, approximately 33% of women experience urinary incontinence three months after giving birth?(1) This startling statistic underscores a prevalent issue that often goes unaddressed in discussions about postpartum health.
Even more concerning is the issue’s persistence. Nearly 29% of women continue to experience urinary incontinence four years postpartum(2). The odds of experiencing this condition are increased if symptoms were present before or during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. Therefore, early intervention and support are critical.
It’s disheartening to think that roughly one-third of postpartum women will deal with urinary incontinence early on. There is minimal improvement without intervention, but women do not have to endure this silently. Help is available. Women just need to seek support and solutions to improve their pelvic health and overall well-being.
To reduce leaks, some women mistakenly limit their fluid intake. This strategy has been debunked by research, which concluded that fluid intake is irrelevant to urinary leakage(3).
It’s common for women, especially those engaging in impact sports, to believe that restricting fluid intake or working out before hydrating can prevent leaks. This approach is counterproductive and potentially harmful. In reality, dehydration not only fails to prevent urinary leakage but can also have detrimental effects on overall health and performance. Depriving the body of adequate hydration can affect the bladder’s function, causing it to become more sensitive and irritable, ultimately worsening urinary incontinence.
Research findings debunk this misconception that reducing hydration can effectively manage symptoms. Studies show that many women may experience leaks even when they haven’t consumed fluids. This indicates that other factors, such as pelvic floor muscle weakness or increased tone, altered breathing, and poor posture, play a more significant role in urinary incontinence.
It’s crucial for women, particularly those breastfeeding or exercising, to stay well-hydrated. Proper hydration supports overall bodily function, including the health of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
Urinary incontinence can deeply affect a woman’s confidence, activity, and emotional health, impacting her quality of life. With appropriate support and guidance, women can regain pelvic health control and improve their lives.
As a physical therapist specializing in women’s health for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of addressing pelvic health issues, including urinary incontinence. One of the key messages I emphasize to my clients is that “common” does not equate to “normal.” While it may be “common” for women to experience urinary incontinence postpartum, it’s not a condition that should be accepted as a “normal” consequence of childbirth.
Raising awareness and encouraging open discussions are crucial first steps in addressing urinary incontinence. Many women may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their symptoms, leading them to suffer in silence. By fostering a supportive environment and destigmatizing the conversation around pelvic health, we can empower women to seek the help they need without hesitation.
It’s vital to highlight pelvic floor physical therapy and other non-invasive methods for managing urinary incontinence effectively. These techniques can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and alleviate symptoms over time. Working with a skilled healthcare provider, such as a pelvic health physical therapist, can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to each woman’s unique needs.
In summary, urinary incontinence is a prevalent issue that affects many women during the postpartum period and beyond. However, women must understand that they don’t have to suffer in silence. Seeking pelvic floor physical therapy enables women to proactively enhance their pelvic health and well-being. Remember, addressing urinary incontinence isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming control and embracing a fulfilling, active lifestyle postpartum.
To learn more about Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, visit www.somavitapt.com, email info@somavitapt.com or call 973-547-1226.
1 Thorn & Rortveit, 2010
2 Gartland et al 2016
3 Townsend et al 2011