Controlling Your Bladder After Baby

Ever cross your legs when you feel a sneeze coming? You're not alone! In fact, about a third of new mamas (close to seven million each year) experience leakage or have difficulty controlling their bladder at times.

Postpartum urinary incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine when performing basic, or strenuous, day to day activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercise.

Here's what you should know about postpartum bladder control:

• Pregnancy and delivery weaken the bladder and pelvis muscles
• As your uterus recovers from birth, it sits directly on top of the bladder inflicting direct pressure
• Also affected by hormonal changes
• Recovery can take anywhere from three months to over a year to regain full control