A qualitative analysis of postpartum women's experiences with urinary incontinence and physical activity

The postpartum period is associated with low physical activity, and increased risk of activity-related adverse health conditions.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent postpartum condition associated with low physical activity which protects against many adverse postpartum health conditions. However, little is known about how postpartum women experience UI and physical activity.

Thematically analyse how and why UI is associated with postpartum physical activity.

A purposive sample of postpartum participants with UI (n=30) were recruited from a larger study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to understand postpartum women's experiences with UI and activity. Interview transcripts were dual-coded using Dedoose qualitative software and thematically analysed using an interpretive phenomenology framework.

Six themes emerged: 1) Physical activity decreases in the postpartum period; 2) UI is one of many influences on postpartum activity; 3) Postpartum women stop activity, decrease intensity, or use compensatory strategies in response to UI; 4) UI is a threat to women's identity, mental health, and social health; 5) Women with UI have unmet needs; and 6) Postpartum women with UI want activity interventions designed by qualified health professionals.

Postpartum women should be screened for UI and low physical activity. More work is needed to develop interventions within and outside of the healthcare system aimed at addressing UI and low physical activity in the postpartum period.

UI negatively influences physical activity in the postpartum period and impacts postpartum mental health. Interventions are desired to treat UI and improve postpartum physical activity.