85% of New Mothers Experience This Postpartum Condition, Yet Many Don’t Seek Help

Postpartum incontinence, a common condition affecting many new mothers, involves involuntary urination, often triggered by the physical strains of labor and delivery. The pressure exerted on the pelvic area during childbirth can lead to issues with the pelvic muscles and nerves, making it difficult to control urination after giving birth.

According to a new study by Aeroflow Urology, 85% of new mothers experience bladder leaks, yet only 15% receive the support or care they need to manage these symptoms. This lack of care can lead to more severe complications, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, and increased mental health issues, such as postpartum depression.

Why Are So Many Suffering in Silence?

A major factor behind the lack of treatment and support for postpartum incontinence is the misconception that it is just a normal part of childbirth, rather than a treatable condition, says Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, a medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology. Additionally, societal stigma surrounding incontinence often prevents people from seeking help.

“In the U.S., postpartum care traditionally focuses on the six-week checkup, addressing issues like bleeding, healing, and contraception, but not long-term pelvic health,” Fosnight explains. Without universal screening for postpartum incontinence, many healthcare providers don’t address the issue unless a patient raises it themselves.

Alexis Kristiana, a mother of three, shares the emotional toll of postpartum incontinence. “Motherhood is already overwhelming, and no mom should have to go through this alone or feel ashamed of something so common,” she says.

The Impact of Untreated Postpartum Incontinence

Postpartum incontinence can affect mental health, daily activities, sleep, and even intimacy.

Mental Health

The study shows that 71% of those suffering from postpartum incontinence reported feeling anxiety, stress, and self-consciousness. In fact, 13% experienced depression linked to incontinence. For many, the constant worry about leaks can significantly impact their confidence and overall well-being.

Daily Life and Social Activities

Two-thirds of survey respondents reported missing out on social activities due to incontinence. This condition also leads to decreased physical activity, with nearly half of women in one study halting exercises they previously enjoyed because of pelvic floor issues.

Alexis Kristiana explains that incontinence led to constant worry and extra planning, making it hard to feel in control of her body.

Sleep and Intimacy

Postpartum incontinence can disturb sleep if women frequently try to urinate to prevent accidents. It can also affect sexual relationships, with some women experiencing decreased pleasure or avoiding sex altogether due to concerns about leaks.

Types of Postpartum Incontinence

There are two main types of postpartum incontinence:

1. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Occurs when increased abdominal pressure—such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising—triggers leakage.
2. Urge urinary incontinence (UUI): Involves a sudden urge to urinate, often resulting from the bladder muscles contracting prematurely.

Treatment for Postpartum Incontinence

Pelvic floor therapy is the most effective treatment for postpartum incontinence, says Lacy Woods Hochkammer, OTD, a pelvic health expert. This therapy takes a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, and social factors affecting pelvic floor function.

For women with pelvic floor weakness, exercises like kegels, which strengthen the pelvic muscles, are recommended. For those with tight pelvic muscles, relaxation techniques, such as yoga and breathing exercises, can be more effective.

Lifestyle factors, including posture, breathing, and core muscle engagement, can also contribute to incontinence. Therefore, consulting with a pelvic floor therapist to assess muscle status is crucial for proper treatment.

Why Treatment Is Important

Incontinence is a signal that pelvic floor muscles aren’t functioning properly, which can lead to further complications if ignored. Untreated, it may cause long-term issues, such as lower back pain or worsening pelvic floor dysfunction as women age.

Studies show that 91% of women with incontinence 12 weeks postpartum continued to experience symptoms 12 years later unless they sought treatment. Addressing pelvic floor issues early can significantly improve quality of life and restore bladder control.

While postpartum incontinence can be challenging, it is treatable. Early intervention through pelvic floor therapy or medical support can greatly improve outcomes, offering new mothers the confidence and comfort they deserve. As Fosnight emphasizes, many women suffer in silence, but help is available, and seeking care can improve both physical and emotional health.