Stress incontinence

[Monkeywench101]

How common is stress incontinence after childbirth? I used to have zero problems with bladder control but after 2 labours it’s not great. The thing is absolutely no one I know talks about having issues with it - I’ve never directly asked but the fact that no ones ever openly admitted to it puts me off. So I guess my aibu is - aibu to ask how many of you have experienced this after childbirth and to what degree? Really looking to find out if I’m in the minority here or if it’s just something people don’t like to talk about.

In my case it’s not too bad just annoying - only occasionally when I sneeze and when I’m running....but this is the problem. I love running and really miss it! Im also very close to my pre pregnancy weight and think exercise would help me shift the last few lbs (any recommendations for pelvic floor friendly exercises would be appreciated) I will go to a physio if it doesn’t improve as I can’t tell if I’m doing pelvic floor exercises correctly but I’ve had 2 babies in the last year and a half so going to give it a bit of time first.

It is quite common but it’s not normal and not something that you should just expect to be what happens after childbirth. Stress incontenence can be cured by doing pelvic floor exercises regularly and correctly. Ask your GP for referral to Womens Health Physio.

It's thought of as an "old woman" thing, so people will not admit to it. But as you get older, you'll find that a very high proportion of slightly older women make jokes to each other about coughing and bouncy castles - and they didn't all suddenly develop it in their 50's!

It'll get worse, and you'll have to keep doing the exercises forever. Since you're already doing them, then you've already reached the point where you feel the incontinence is worse than the self discipline of doing exercise.

You could try using a pad for running, and some waterproof pants (there are some good ones around, will fitting in nice cotton material, not off-white crinkly bag-shaped plasticky things). Or have you got behind that point ;-)

I had it before I had my DC. Pelvic floor exercises really helped, have to do them a couple of times a day every single day and does take a little while to improve. If your not sure your doing it right you could always see if you can get a referral to a women's phsyio

Go and see a women's health physio now. In France all women do after childbirth. It's v common, as is some degree of prolapse. The sooner you do the correct exercises the better.

How long since you had your second baby? I got much better 3-4 months after 2nd baby. I found yoga helpful. Apparently strengthening your core can also help your pelvic floor. I was incontinent from about 8 weeks pregnant both times when coughing and puking. I wore pads everyday so I could do normal things without worrying. I would pee before running and wear a pad if I were you.

DD is 13months and I have it. I wear tena lady pantyliners (much comfier than normal ones). I have bought some weight things that were recommended on another thread but haven't used then yet as you need to stand still with them in for 10mins at a time and I just can't guarantee being able to do that every day so I keep putting it off. I really should make more effort with it.

weight thingies I got mine from Amazon

There’s an nhs app you can download called Squeezy, which reminds you and helps you through your pelvic floor exercises. Honestly, it works. Boring but true

I got incontinence over three years after giving birth. A widespread myth is that if you have a caesarean you are protected from urinary incontinence - not so.

A referral is vital, as any old pelvic floor exercise might not do for you. I was given a load of exercises that actually made it worse. A later and different referral here in Au identified that relaxing/pushing/letting go pelvic exercise were needed. I was dry within 3 weeks, but need to keep them up, obviously. I only have issues when I don't keep up with the exercises.

Good luck OP, and don't wait on getting on with running, there are discreet, non-bunch pads out there.

I had urinary incontinence issues. A few sessions with a specially trained nurse and I'm fine now. I'd really recommend this route.

Had my baby 2 months ago but am breastfeeding...heard this doesn’t help? I got pregnant as soon as I finished feeding the first baby so I don’t know if it’ll improve things when I stop yet....

Going to download that app and definitely ask for Physio referral if it doesn’t improve. Thanks for replies

Op, I’m Not An Expert, but have read up a lot since second DS caused a small bladder prolapse, so I can say that two months post partum you’re unlikely to be as good as it gets.

It took a year of physio to get over severe stress incontinence and the only times I now experience it is when I’m run down or had too much caffeine. However, I still always wear a pad when running just to be on the safe side.

Sherrie Palm, the founder and director of the Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (APOPS) will be discussing prolapse in the live Mumsnet webchat.
You can submit your questions here:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_live_events/3144287-Webchat-with-Sherrie-Palm-of-Pelvic-organ-prolapse-support-organisation-Tuesday-23-January-9-10pm

I saw special urinary ladies physio. I couldnt run or dad any exercise classes without a huge tena lady but wouldn't see me until baby was over 6 months. Lots of pelvic floor exercises. Pilates really helped too. I have virtually no stress incontinence now - though as lots of mums trampolines are not my friend with a full bladder