When you are pregnant all the way to delivery, there are many things that you will need to focus on. However, once you have delivered your baby, there are a few changes that your body will go through. One such change can be bladder leaks or uterine bleeding which can be your body’s way of healing after the trauma of childbirth.
Causes Of Postpartum Incontinence
The risk of developing urinary incontinence postpartum is known to all experts in the field but the exact cause has not yet been verified. Some experts believe that it is linked to factors like genetics or how you deliver. Others argue that the cause is set during the pregnancy itself. In some cases wherein the women have gone through normal vaginal delivery, the chances of incontinence are seen to be higher than those who deliver through a C-section.
Postpartum incontinence can also occur when there is too much pressure and strain put on the muscles of the pelvic floor. This also supports the bladder. As the baby grows, the muscles get weakened over time and in combination with the pressure put on during labor, the bladder control gets affected. Therefore, this can be the reason for incontinence during pregnancy. Some experts also believe that the weight of the baby can increase the chance of incontinence. The heavier the baby is, the more chances it happening.
How To Deal With Postpartum Incontinence
When it comes to postpartum incontinence treatment, there are a number of ways you can deal with and in some cases also manage to regain control of your bladder. It may not be a very quick process but you will be able to fully recover within a couple of months.
Bladder Control Pads
While trying to regain control of your bladder, you do not have to spend all the time worrying about leakage. One of the best Incontinence Solutions is to use bladder control wear. These are not bulky briefs and can help discreetly to absorb urine leakage. There are smaller bladder control pads that quickly absorb any leak and are easy to carry with you. These are usually very economical and are pretty much the same as menstrual pads. They are easily available online, so you can order them from the comfort of your home.
Kegel Exercises
Remember that before you start any such exercise, you should be physically able to do so. Forcing yourself to exercise when you feel too weak already will not reflect positively. Kegel exercises can help to strengthen your pelvic muscles. To perform this exercise, you need to squeeze your pelvic muscles and hold them for 10 seconds. There are special therapists who can assist you in these exercises that are specifically useful for training pelvic disorders that occur during the prenatal and postpartum periods.
Lifestyle Changes
By making minor changes to your daily routine you will be able to handle the stress on your bladder. This means starting with a healthy and clean diet. Include a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet especially those that are high in fiber. Avoid sugar, caffeine, spicy food, and other edible items that can trigger the problem. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to prevent urinary tract infection as well as to stay hydrated. Maintain a healthy weight so that you can relieve the pressure added to your bladder. This does not mean that you go on a crash diet to get back to the weight you had before your baby. It only means to steadily move towards a healthier weight. Lastly, if you are smoking, then it is best advised to quit it as the nicotine in the cigarettes will affect the muscles and lining of your bladder.
Bladder Training Technique
This is another way that you can regain control over your bladder. A typical person uses the restroom every 2 to 3 hours but if you feel that you have to go way too often then you should try bladder training techniques. These techniques will help you to regain control and assist in the proper functioning of your bladder. If you are using the restroom every 30 minutes, slowly try to increase the amount between each urination gradually. However, before any bigger activity like going for a walk or exercising and so on, make it a point to empty your bladder before starting.
Meet An Expert
It is always a good idea to meet an expert in the field of any discomfort you feel. Sometimes the conditions could be more serious and you may even develop chronic pains. The doctor will be able to detect if there are any severe underlying reasons for the same and help you with an effective treatment plan. There could also be times when you have an urge to urinate but are unable to do so. This could be due to stress incontinence and need to be taken care of in a specific manner. The experts can also help you to regain strength in the pelvic floor muscles.
Medical Support And Devices
If you are suffering immensely, then do not shy away from taking temporary assistance from the medication or other support devices that are designed to help you with postpartum incontinence. These will help to relax the stress and pressure on your bladder. You will improve the control over urine flow as well. Some devices help to empty the bladder fully so you have less urge to use the restroom often. There are also some surgical inserts that can be done to give your temporary relief.
Be Happy And Positive
While you are trying to recover from postpartum incontinence, try not to worry too much about it and focus more on bonding with your baby. These will eventually ebb away and you will be able to regain complete control of your bladder. Try to have a positive mindset and enjoy your motherhood. Being healthy and surrounding yourself with people who love you will help you to regain your confidence back as well.
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