DMG Urology shares helpful tips for postpartum urinary incontinence.

2. What is your pelvic floor?
Pelvic floor muscles are the group of muscles
responsible for supporting the bladder, bowel
and uterus and play a key role in pushing the
baby through the birth canal during labor.
Bladder
Bowel Uterus
Pelvic floor muscles
of women experience
UI during pregnancy
of women experience
postpartum UI
50%
1/3

3. During pregnancy, your pelvic floor
muscles go through several changes:
Weakened by hormones
Supporting 25-35 lbs. extra weight
Stretched during labor
For some women incontinence can improve
on its own; typically within 3-6 months after
delivery, but this is not the case for everyone.

4. Maintain a healthy weight during
pregnancy and after delivery
Extra weight puts extra
pressure on your bladder
causing leakage
TIP #1 Weight Watch

5. TIP #2 Restroom Routine
Empty your bladder regularly
every 2-4 hours during the day
Avoid constipation or straining
Full bladder and bowels also
add extra pressure which
can lead to leakage

6. TIP #3 Swig Scrupulously
Avoid drinks that may irritate
your bladder and cause it to
be more overactive
Coffee
Tea
Carbonated beverages
Alcohol
Citrus drinks

7. TIP #4 Vaginal Exercise
Pelvic floor muscle squeezing exercises,
called Kegels, strengthen the muscles
around the urethra. They also:
Provide better bladder control
Regain vaginal tone
Improve sexual sensations
Do 10 reps of Kegels at
a time in the morning,
afternoon and evening.

8. HOW TO Kegel Exercises
1 Contract your pelvic floor muscles, lifting upwards
2 Hold the contraction for a few seconds
3 Release the contraction
4 Rest and relax for a few seconds and then start again

9. These tips are just the first step in dealing
with post-partum urinary incontinence
and there are many treatment options
available today.
To schedule an appointment with
a DMG Urologist, call 630-790-1221.
Talk to your Doctor