Bladder Problems After Childbirth
During pregnancy, many women find the frequency of restroom visits drastically increases and their bladder control decreases. This diminished ability to control the bladder can continue after childbirth as well.
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The Facts
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New moms often have bladder control issues---also known as urinary incontinence---after childbirth. The problem is caused by muscles around the bladder and pelvis being weakened during pregnancy, labor and childbirth.
Considerations
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The majority of bladder control problems after childbirth typically last three to six months after the baby arrives. New moms experiencing urinary incontinence often find they leak frequently while coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising or other strenuous activity that puts quick pressure on the bladder.
Prevention/Solutions
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Though there is no guarantee urinary incontinence after pregnancy can be prevented, one key to helping the issue is Kegel exercises (see Resources), in which the new mom strengthens the pelvic floor muscles by repeatedly tightening and relaxing them. Working to drop pregnancy weight and drinking plenty of liquids---at least eight glasses a day---also can help new moms overcome bladder control problems.
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The youngest mother on record was Lina Medina, a Peruvian girl who gave birth at the age of 5 years and 7 months in 1939. Its important to note that Linas case is extremely rare and considered a medical anomaly.
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