Postpartum leak is a common thing that occurs on almost a third of delivering mums, especially mums that deliver their baby via natural vaginal childbirth. Do not be overly worried or embarrassed as the occurrences will eventually dissipate. Let’s take a closer look at the causes of postpartum leak and care:
| No. |
Causes |
Care |
| 1. |
Involuntary leaking of urine while sneezing, coughing or during strenuous activities. |
Use girdle or traditional wrap to help support your perineal (more info at Breasts & Tummy page). |
| 2. |
During pregnancy the weight of your baby puts pressure on the pelvic floor causing it to weaken. |
Start with a light exercise and slowly but gradually increase the pace, at a comfortable level and according to your health condition. |
| 3. |
During delivery the pelvic muscles lengthen and stretch to accommodate childbirth. |
Try the “Pelvic Tilt” exercise first:
- Lie on your back, knees bent up and feet flat on ground
- Place hand on stomach to feel the muscles tighten
- Gently tighten stomach muscles and push arch of your back to the floor.
- Hold the position till the count of 6, relax and repeat till you are done with the exercise.
|
| 4. |
After delivery the muscles have to learn to shorten and perform its functions to provide support again. |
| 5. |
As the uterus shrink, it sits directly on the bladder, causing control of leak to be more difficult. |
Then try the “Kegel” exercise:
- Try to start and stop your urine flow when in the toilet.
- Identify which muscles control your urine flow.
- Apply the same principle when doing the “kegel” exercise.
- Contract the same muscles and hold tight for 3 seconds, release for 3 seconds and repeat for a few minutes.
- Do this exercise as frequently as possible.
- It can be done while sitting, standing up or lying down.
|
| 6. |
All the above mentioned conditions combined that causes the leak which will dissipate between 3 – 6 months time. |
|
Note:
Do NOT confuse the pelvic muscles with your abdominal, leg or buttock muscles. If these muscles are moving when you are doing the “kegel” exercise, it means you are targeting the wrong muscles.
