Just a Moment Too Soon by Judi Venten

Author:Judi Venten [Venten, Judi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pregnancy, Birth, Babycare
ISBN: 9780987549211
Publisher: Rough Draft

Why many women do not seek help

Although incontinence can have a profound impact on daily routine and can result in psychological effects, there are still many women who do not seek help. Why?

A UK study investigating why some women do not seek help found the nature of the condition was reported to play a large part in their reluctance to seek help, but the relationship the woman has with her healthcare professional was also a consideration.

One of the key findings of the study was that women felt that they should be warned that stress incontinence could occur during or following childbirth. This caution would lessen the shock that some women felt when it first occurred. Knowledge of this would enable them to realise that it did happen to others and possibly contribute to lessening the taboo and embarrassment associated with it, therefore it could diminish the reluctance to seek help.

Increased publicity will promote general awareness of the incontinence risk associated with pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring women are aware that treatment is available for this condition.

A study done by Dr Chiarelli and colleagues found that, even when women have been educated about interventions such as pelvic floor exercise, many perceive it as relevant only in relation to pregnancy and childbirth. Despite most postpartum women being aware of the required frequency of pelvic floor exercises, only just over half of them had done them at this level before pregnancy and less than half knew that these exercises should be carried out indefinitely over their lifetime.

Help is available

Professor Pauline Chiarelli, a world-renowned women’s health expert, has written a bestselling self-help guide to help women overcome urinary incontinence: Women’s Waterworks, www.womenswaterworks.com.au.

The National Continence Helpline is a free Government-funded advisory service available to Australian residents, staffed by Continence nurses who provide information, education and advice: Mon – Fri 8am – 8 pm AEST. Freecall: 1800 33 00 66.

Exercising after delivery

Your body has experienced a number of changes during your pregnancy. Your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are weakened due to the effect of hormones, carrying the weight of your baby and the process of childbirth itself. It is very important to help these muscles recover in order to limit problems such as back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control and pelvic organ prolapse.

After delivery, providing there are no blood pressure issues or other health concerns restricting your activity, you will be encouraged to walk around. Start with frequent short walks. Do not sit for long periods without moving as this will encourage the stasis of your circulation which makes you more prone to blood clot formation.

Steps for pelvic floor care and exercises

Women with stress incontinence – that is, regularly losing urine when coughing, sneezing or exercising – will find pelvic floor exercises very helpful in overcoming this problem. It is important to keep the pelvic floor muscles strong throughout your life, because as you age hormonal changes take place that have a weakening effect upon these muscles. A pelvic floor exercise routine helps lessen the effects of menopause on pelvic support and bladder control.

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