Among the pregnancy aftermaths, including postpartum belly and divarication of recti, the most taxing and bothersome when travelling is postpartum urinary incontinence in Singapore.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine among mothers. It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken due to pregnancy and giving birth. It takes weeks and even months to fix incontinence, even with postnatal care in Singapore. It is inevitable for mums to travel long distances within that period.
Here's how to manage urinary incontinence when travelling long distances:
1.Avoid diuretics
Diuretics like alcohol and coffee increase your production of urine. In other words, it makes you pee a lot. If you are travelling long distances with infrequent toilet stops, it is better to avoid drinking diuretics before the journey. Additionally, spicy food irritates your bladder. Avoid consuming them during your trip.
2.Drink plenty of water
Ironically, drinking plenty of water can help you control your urinary incontinence in Singapore. It prevents dehydration and relieves bladder irritation. At the same time, it reduces the risk of urinary tract infection that makes you pee frequently.
3.Wear incontinence pad
If you want to avoid accidents, you can wear incontinence pads and liners. Unlike menstrual pads, incontinence pads are designed to absorb fluids like urine.
4.Wear loose and dark-coloured bottoms
Instead of wearing skinny jeans and tight leggings, it is advisable to wear loose trousers, khakis, and sweatpants. These clothes are not only comfortable for diastasis recti exercises but also travelling. The dark colour hides leaks from plain sight. It is also advisable to bring extra clothes in case of accidents.
5.Book a seat near the toilet
If your travel requires flying, it is ideal to book a plane seat near the toilet. It is more convenient for you and less bothersome to other passengers.
Most importantly, consult your postnatal care in Singapore for more tips for travelling with urinary incontinence.
Orchard Clinic provides treatments for urinary incontinence and divarication of recti. Visit Orchard Clinic today.
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