Pelvic exercises reduce incontinence after birth

Incontinence after childbirth could soon become a thing of the past as doctors from the University of Plymouth's Postgraduate Medical School investigate whether pelvic floor exercises could save the day. According to the Plymouth team, about one in five mothers suffer some degree of incontinence after childbirth. They say there is good evidence to suggest regular pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy could reduce the risk. They are searching for 240 volunteers who are pregnant for the first time.

An ultrasound at 20 weeks will reveal if there is any slackness around the neck of the bladder that is likely to increase the risks of incontinence. Volunteers can ring 01752 792948.