Incontinence after Childbirth: What Are The Causes?

Incontinence after Childbirth: What are the Causes?

Childbirth is an amazing event that comes with lots of changes, both physically and emotionally. For many women, one of the physical changes can be incontinence. While this is a common side effect of childbirth, it can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Keep reading to learn more about incontinence after childbirth and what causes it.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the accidental or involuntary leakage of urine. This can happen when coughing, sneezing, or during any type of physical activity. Many women experience urinary incontinence after they have given birth. In fact, it is estimated that up to 50% of women who have had a baby will leak urine when they laugh, cough, or sneeze

There are two types of incontinence that can occur after childbirth: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when there is weak pelvic floor muscles or damage to the nerves that control the muscles. This type of incontinence is more common after vaginal deliveries. Urge incontinence happens when the bladder muscles contract too often or are too sensitive. This type is more common after c-section deliveries

What are the causes?

There are several different things that can cause incontinence after childbirth

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles: The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and help keep it closed. These muscles can be weakened by pregnancy and childbirth
  • Damage to the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles: The nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles can be damaged during pregnancy and delivery, especially with forceps or vacuum-assisted deliveries
  • An overactive bladder: An overactive bladder can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, which is common during pregnancy and after childbirth. It can also be caused by damage to the nerves that control the bladder muscle
  • A weak urethral sphincter: The urethral sphincter is a muscle that keeps urine from leaking out of the bladder. This muscle can be weakened by pregnancy and delivery

If you're experiencing incontinence after giving birth, you're not alone—it's a very common side effect. While it can be embarrassing and inconvenient, there are things that you can do to manage it. Talk to your doctor about different treatments that might work for you, such as Kegel exercises or medication. With a little bit of patience and effort, you'll be able to get your postpartum body back on track in no time!