Incontinence after childbirth: Why it happens and how you can manage symptoms

It is thought that as many as 1 in 3 women suffer urinary incontinence and 1 in 7 bowel incontinence after childbirth. So, if you find yourself experiencing bladder and bowel challenges after having a baby, rest assured you are not alone.

The main causes and risk factors for incontinence after childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth puts pressure on your body, especially on your pelvic floor muscles. Carrying the additional weight of a baby in itself is enough to weaken these muscles.

During childbirth, stretching, tearing and nerve damage can all have an impact on the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and a weak or damaged pelvic floor can cause urinary incontinence.

Where significant tearing occurs of the perineal tissue, further complications can occur through Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) whereby the tear extends through to the anal sphincter muscle. OASI is a leading cause of bowel incontinence after childbirth.

Factors that can increase your risk of pelvic floor damage and, in turn, incontinence include:

• Forceps Delivery
• Prolonged second stage labour
• Having an episiotomy
• Older maternal age
• Carrying a larger baby

How to manage symptoms

Finding yourself experiencing incontinence after childbirth can be distressing. Findings from a study of mothers who had experienced injury during childbirth showed that 52% were embarrassed by the symptoms of their injury and 45% suffered with post-natal depression as a result.

However, it is important to remember you are not alone and help is available.

If you are experiencing urinary leakage following having a baby, it could be that you need time to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by doing exercises to improve your symptoms.

If you are experiencing bowel incontinence after having a baby, the treatment you have could include lifestyle and dietary changes, medication and potentially surgery, depending on how severe your incontinence is. You may also be referred for specialist bowel management advice, including anal sphincter exercises.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of incontinence, you should mention it to your midwife, health visitor or GP at your 6 week post-natal checkup.

Further advice and support

MASIC Foundation – supports women who have sustained injuries (OASI, 3^rd and 4^th degree tears) during childbirth

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