Continence following childbirth.

Urinary and faecal incontinence are problems that can severely limit the social, emotional and sexual being of the woman. Childbirth is one of the major causes of incontinence in women, especially following long second stages of labour, traumatic deliveries, large babies and in multigravidae. This article highlights the issues surrounding childbirth and incontinence and the implications that they have for nursing care. Nurses, especially community nurses, midwives and practice nurses, need to take a proactive stance to the identification of incontinence in women. Once a problem has been identified, it is important that the woman has a thorough assessment and examination before deciding on a plan of care. The use of pelvic floor exercises is the main non-surgical treatment for women with mild to moderate stress incontinence and these can be taught by nursing staff.