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Understanding Incontinence

How Pregnancy Can Cause Incontinence

Incontinence caused by pregnancy and childbirth is not uncommon. The additional weight of pregnancy strains the pelvic floor muscle which is why many women experience stress incontinence, particularly towards the end of gestation.

Published by Suz Disher
Mother holding baby in her arms

Even with a caesarean delivery, the muscle may already have endured stretching from the pressure during pregnancy which in turn can cause incontinence, and without exercise, it doesn’t always spring back.

 

A vaginal birth can put immense strain on the pelvic floor muscle, often causing tissue and nerve damage. Much of this should improve naturally over a few months but pelvic floor muscle exercises are highly recommended to help strengthen the muscle and improve bladder control.

 

Subsequent pregnancies and births can increase the likelihood of experiencing incontinence as it consolidates and exacerbates the issue further since the muscle has already been stretched and weakened. A regular regime of exercises between and after pregnancies can dramatically improve the strength of the pelvic floor and its ability to maintain continence.

 

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