NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - After Birth Booklet

21 Mum Bladder care After birth, it is important to try and pass urine within four to six hours to avoid urinary infections or the bladder becoming over-full. Good hydration following birth and whilst breastfeeding is important, and it is recommended that women drink at least two to three litres of water/ fluids a day. After birth, some women find that their bladder function is not as efficient and can experience: • urinary retention (when the urge to pass urine is absent or isn’t as strong – this leads to the bladder over-filling. This overstretching can cause long term damage to the bladder). • stress urinary incontinence (when urine leaks on sneezing or coughing or exercising). • urgency urinary incontinence (when you suddenly need to pass urine with no prior sensation to do so – leading to leaking of urine). Pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder function ( see page 18 ), however if you are worried about your urinary control, or any symptoms of bladder dysfunction persist it’s important to speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. For more information visit: • The National Childbirth Trust: www.nct.org.uk/parenting/incontinence-pregnancy-and-after-childbirth