Bladder and bowel control problems can be a part of pregnancy and childbirth. 1 in 3 women who have had a baby, have wet themselves at some point.
You are more likely to develop a problem if you have:
- your first baby
- a large baby
- a long labour
- a difficult vaginal birth
- a tear that needed stitches around your vagina
- had forceps or vacuum to deliver your baby.
Constipation, ongoing coughing and being overweight can also increase your risk of developing bladder or bowel control problems.
What problems might you experience?
If you have a bladder or bowel problem you might:
- leak wee (urine) when you cough, sneeze or exercise
- not make it to the toilet in time
- not be able to control your wind (farts)
- have an urgent need to do a poo
- soil your clothes
- be constipated.
What can you do to avoid problems?
There are some simple things you can do to help avoid bladder and bowel problems when you are expecting a baby. They include:
- strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
- avoid constipation and urinary tract infections
- keep active
- keep to normal weight gain
- quit smoking
- check your bladder control.
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