Health blog

Urinary incontinence is common both during and after pregnancy due to the number of changes in the pelvic girdle to accommodate for the growing baby. However, just because a symptom is common, doesn’t mean it’s normal.

Despite what you may have heard or even experienced, no amount of urine loss is normal. It’s also not something you have to live with. With pelvic floor therapy, it’s possible to either completely eradicate incontinence or at least significantly decrease the severity and frequency of it.

A pelvic floor physical therapist can assist you throughout your pregnancy journey, before, during, and after pregnancy to help you maintain the integrity of your pelvic floor muscles.

Causes of incontinence post-pregnancy

An estimated one-third of people who give birth will experience some degree of urinary incontinence. In most cases, this is simply due to the changing pelvic floor as the baby grows.

There are also different types of incontinence. Some people may experience loss of urine after triggers like sneezing, laughing, or certain movements. Others might feel like they get a sudden and uncontrollable urge to control their bladder on the way to the bathroom.

You may be more likely to experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI) if you:

• Have experienced incontinence prior to pregnancy
• Are delivering your first baby
• Have a complicated or long pushing phase during delivery
• Have a relatively large baby
• Experienced constipation during or prior to pregnancy

How pelvic floor therapy can treat incontinence

Pelvic floor physical therapy is growing in popularity for good reason. It is the gold standard for the non-surgical treatment of urinary incontinence related to pregnancy, aging, or a variety of other reasons. Your pelvic floor care provider will create a personalized treatment plan for your specific symptoms by choosing from a variety of techniques, including:

• Manual techniques including dry needling, myofascial therapy, or cupping
• Postural training and lifting education
• Education on the proper performance of Kegel exercises when indicated
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Guided relaxation and biofeedback therapy

Benefits of pelvic floor therapy

Incontinence is more than just an isolated symptom. It can lead to feeling powerless and deeply impacting your lifestyle and mental health. In some studies, women experiencing incontinence were twice as likely to also experience postpartum depression. Seeking treatment for these symptoms not only provides physical relief, but also mental and emotional relief.

Everyone’s pregnancy and childbirth experiences are different, which is why the physical therapists at Rehab Access create individualized treatment plans for your specific situation. The benefits of pelvic floor therapy are wide-ranging, but include the following:

• Regaining bladder control with urine loss and frequency
• Reducing abdominal discomfort
• Strengthening core muscles
• Restoring confidence
• Reducing chronic pelvic pain

Post-pregnancy pelvic floor therapy in New Orleans

Incontinence doesn’t have to be your new normal. You can find relief from its symptoms and prevent further complications with pelvic floor therapy.

At Rehab Access, our pelvic specialists treat patients of all ages, and a variety of symptoms related to pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Take a step toward the freedom you deserve by calling our team or requesting an appointment online today.