Incontinence after birth

Research by the NCT has found that many women who experience incontinence after childbirth are ‘suffering in silence’

The NCT surveyed 1515 UK women, within two years of childbirth. The research details that 38% of women who developed urinary incontinence after giving birth were self-conscious about discussing it with a healthcare professional. It also found that 33% were embarrassed about discussing it with their partner, and 46% felt unable to talk to friends about it.

RCM director for England, Jacque Gerrard commented that “Many women do not experience problems after giving birth, but for those affected by incontinence it can be a very difficult and embarrassing problem. For women with incontinence, their whole day is planned around being able to stay close to a toilet and without help these problems will only continue to get worse… Midwives are best placed to provide support and women should not feel embarrassed or concerned about raising issues surrounding incontinence with them. During pregnancy women are generally more receptive to health messages so this is an ideal time when midwives can be proactive in discussing prevention.”

For more information see RCM report here