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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

How long did incontinence last after childbirth?

34 replies

Gogi1 · 27/12/2022 10:19

I've been suffering with urinary incontinence since I gave birth 7 weeks ago and it's not improved much at all. (I can sometimes hold on for a few hours now whereas when i was in hospital I'd stand up and I'd constantly wee everywhere)

I have urge and stress incontinence. It's the urge that's getting me really depressed as I leak urine all day. Things like turning a tap or seeing a toilet just trigger me leaking and once I start leaking I just can not stop it.

I'm really struggling to leave the house and it's affecting my mental health. Just want to know of anyone else has a similar story to tell amd how long it took for them to recover?

OP posts:
BuffaloCauliflower · 27/12/2022 11:03

As others have said, you need to see a doctor. This isn’t a normal postpartum experience and needs attention

cantba · 27/12/2022 11:02

I have 5 children (each a vb) and haven't experienced this. Straight back to GP and do not allow them to fob you off. It is absolutely not normal.

SheWoreYellow · 27/12/2022 10:41

Make sure you’re doing pelvic floor exercises.

And yes, see your GP.

vipersnest1 · 27/12/2022 10:40

Definitely see your GP or ask your health visitor (if you see one). They will probably refer you to women's physiotherapy in the first instance.
You could try using a pelvic floor exercise app in the meantime, as that will likely be the first course of action anyway. I'm using the Squeezy app (NHS approved) as I have a problem with my pelvic floor muscles - but don't try to do too much too soon. There is guidance on the app to help you.
There is hope, OP. Good luck.

ThePumpking · 27/12/2022 10:37

Speak to the GP, in my area if you are referred before 8ish weeks pp you jump ahead of the physio queue because it's so much easier to fix when it's a new thing. I hope you get it sorted soon

Jinglebellrocks · 27/12/2022 10:35

I'm so sorry you're going through this op.i think it is worth a chat with the GP. After dc2 I had a little leaking when i coughed or sneezed, luckily this stopped after afew months.
If you can't leave the house this is definately something to get checked.

Janedoe82 · 27/12/2022 10:34

Back to the GP. I have had two babies and no long term issues, no issues at all after a day or two.

Flake123 · 27/12/2022 10:33

Hey Gogi1,

You need to book a GP appointment who will usually complete an internal examination and assess whether you have a prolapse etc. and then make a referral onto a gynaecologist at hospital.

There is a number of things they can do to help- such as physiotherapist, pessaries or surgery.

Just don’t do what I did and allowed myself to be fobbed off by my GP until 18 months down the line when my mental health was really bad. X

PritiPatelsMaker · 27/12/2022 10:32

I think you need to see the GP and get checked out @Gogi1