Bladder After Pregnancies

I talked to my doctor about the same issue and she referred me to some physical therapists who specialize in exercises for the pelvic floor muscles. I've been putting it off, but I have found that Kegels help when I remember to do them. Also, I could tell that hormones also played a role. At different points of the month the problem would be worse or better.

I remember reading a great book during pregnancy called Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year. It was written by a physical therapist. She covers stress incontinence and offers some good solutions!

Stress Incontinence is very common in younger women [and older]after pregancy. It is basically leaking after coughing, sneezing, exercise; when the abdominal pressures increase. The pelvic floor has been stretched after delivery. The anatomical position of your urethra can change because of the relaxed muscles. The combination of the 2 can lead to leaking. Kegels, despite your reluctance will help. There are many ways to do Kegels. One is to use the muscles needed to stop or start the flow of urine. Another is to use the muscles needed to stop the passing of gas. Teh key is to contract for say 5 secs and relax for 10 [double the contraction time]. Another is quick pulses of the muscles for 10. But there are other things to consider. Try to limit fluid intake to 5 8oz drinks. People under estimate what they truely consume. Avoid sipping throughout the day. Drink only at meal time. Avoid drinking after supper time. Caffeine, Citrus, spicy foods, and chocolate, are bladder irritants. Medication may be a factor, duiretics, antihypertensives, antidepressants, sedatives and narcotics all relax the bladder. If this ocntinues to be a concern, consider seeing a urologist, or urogynecolist who specializes in continence. I too am beginning to exercise again after having my 18mo old. I work in urology. I hope this helps.

WOuld love the answer!

I had a similar problem..and it got worse instead of getting better. I ended up having to strain to pee, which is really a bad thing to do. You may want to make an appointment with a urogynecologist (they specialize in bladder and gynecological issues). I went to see a regular urologist who told me it was all in my head. Turned out I had a severe uterine prolapse that the urogynecologist diagnosed within 3 minutes of meeting me.

I would definitely follow up on it. If you need the name of a good dr in the area, I went to Dr. Vikas Merchia at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, MA. He was great.

Good luck!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

C.

Hi,

Go see a good urogynecologist to get evaluated. If Kegals aren't working there are minor day procedures that can help. Good luck!

Talk to your OB/GYN. Some incontinence is normal, but this sounds like something more with your pelvic floor muscles maybe? Kegals will help!

Do the kegels!! Also, Pilates will help that area...

Hi Jess,
This is a very common problem that no one seems to talk about.
There is an outpatient surgery that is fairly new that is much more effective than the traditional bladder surgery that has a high failure rate.
If you can't locate a doctor in your area that does it, contact Dr. Jerry Frankel's office in McKinney TX. He was one of the first urologists to learn this technique. I am sure they would help you find a doctor.
Before I did this, I had to go 6 times during an exercise class and would still soak a pad. I was able to go back to exercising in two weeks.
Hope this is helpful.
Victoria