Do you pee when you sneeze?
Your birth educator or doula may have told you about pee leaks resulting from pregnancy and birth. Most of us, myself included, tend not to pay much attention to the warning in favor of more exciting or positive aspects of the parenthood experience. I will admit that I thought I was a healthy, fit woman, and “that” could not possibly happen to me.
The reality is that 1 in 2 women in the US have pee leaks. The leading causes are pregnancy and birth. We pee our pants when we lift our kids, laugh, or jump, it’s not fun. Leakage can range from mild to severe, and for most, it is an embarrassing experience! We have a hard time sharing this with close ones and even our healthcare providers.
The hard truth is that pee leaks generally do not go away on their own and become chronic over time. The good news is that by promptly addressing leaks, we can regain control over our bodies and improve our quality of life.
Why is timing important? After birth, our body dedicates immense energy and resources to healing and recovering. If we can guide this process with good habits and simple exercises, we will optimize our recovery and minimize potential leaks. While the postpartum period is overwhelming for most of us, and prioritizing pelvic floor recovery may not be top of mind, it is an investment that will pay back for the rest of your life.
So, what happens if you are months or years away from birth? Your body has an amazing capacity to adapt, so today is the best time to start your recovery. It may take a bit more time to see an improvement, and you may have to be more conscious of keeping good habits to avoid leaks, but you can reduce them significantly and even eliminate them. Many of us can return to dance classes or piggyback our kids after years of avoiding moving too much or lifting weights!
These are our recommendations to make it easier for you to prioritize your recovery in the earlier days, months, or even years after your baby is born:
- Be ready!
If you have not given birth yet, learn about pelvic health resources in your area, such as Pelvic Physical Therapists or Support Circles that may do group exercises.
- Be smart
Check if your insurance covers PT or other pelvic health programs and under which conditions.
- Find an option that works for you
Virtual Pelvic Health clinics, such as HappySneeze, can be a good alternative if you cannot commit to in-person sessions.
- Support is key
Look for options that will help you stay on track while you recover, such as those that use an app or offer human support, such as the HappySneeze program.
- Speak up!
Share what is happening to you with your partner and/or close ones. You will be surprised at how supportive your loved ones can be, and they can provide the space and encouragement for you to take care of yourself.
Summing up, early detection and intervention are vital to successful outcomes when treating pee leaks. By taking prompt action, consulting with your healthcare provider, and exploring a range of recovery options tailored to your needs, you can reduce and even eliminate pee leaks and maintain a happy, big life for years to come.
Written by: Laura Vidal Borrell, mom of 2 and co-founder at HappySneeze
