Pregnancy and Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can occur during or after a pregnancy. It can occur after a first child, or after multiple childbirth deliveries. When a woman gives birth, it can strain the pelvic floor muscles. The strain can cause the muscles to stretch and weaken.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that help us maintain control of our excretory systems including urination and bowel movements. The pelvic floor muscles form a sling or hammock at the lower part of the pelvis to provide support to the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, rectum and uterus. The pelvic floor muscles keep our bladder and uterus in their proper position. Weakness can lead to urinary incontinence or organs descending out of position in our bodies.

Most women recover enough strength of the pelvic floor muscles to support the bladder and organs after childbirth. This allows a return to a normal function of the bladder. In some women, the muscles become overstretched and do not regain enough strength after having a baby. Women may notice urine loss with a cough, sneeze or with physical exertion. This is stress incontinence, and it is due to the loss of strength in the pelvic floor muslces. Exercise is important to regain the strenth in this area of the body. Usually a consistent regiment of exercise can eliminate the incontinence. It takes 6-8 weeks of exercise on a daily basis to see improvement.

If the pelvic floor continues to weaken, it can lead to uterine prolapse. This is when the uterus drops down into the vagina because the pelvic floor muscles are overstretched and weakened. This can also lead to more significant bouts of incontinence.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any loss of urine 6-8 weeks after giving birth. Exercise at home is usually indicated if a full recovery of your pelvic floor muscles has not returned after having a baby. See our treatment page for more information on how to perform Kegel exercises.