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

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.

Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and after delivery

Extra weight puts extra pressure on your bladder causing leakage

TIP #1 Weight Watch

Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and after delivery

Extra weight puts extra pressure on your bladder causing leakage

TIP #2 Restroom RoutineEmpty your bladder regularlyevery 2-4 hours during the day

Avoid constipation or straining

Full bladder and bowels also add extra pressure which can lead to leakage

Restroom RoutineEmpty your bladder regularlyevery 2-4 hours during the day

Avoid constipation or straining

Full bladder and bowels also add extra pressure which can lead to leakage

TIP #3 Swig ScrupulouslyAvoid drinks that may irritate your bladder and cause it to be more overactive

Co�ee

Tea

Carbonated beverages

Alcohol

Citrus drinks

TIP #4 Vaginal ExercisePelvic 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.

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.

HOW TO Kegel Exercises1 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

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.

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

Talk to your Doctor