Journal article
A qualitative analysis of postpartum women’s experiences with urinary incontinence and physical activity
Midwifery, Vol.150, 104591
11/01/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104591
PMID: 40913886
Abstract
Problem
The postpartum period is associated with low physical activity, and increased risk of activity-related adverse health conditions.
Background
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.
Study Aims
Thematically analyse how and why UI is associated with postpartum physical activity.
Methods
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.
Findings
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.
Discussion
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.
Conclusions
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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A qualitative analysis of postpartum women’s experiences with urinary incontinence and physical activity
- Creators
- Lisa VanWiel - University of Wisconsin–La CrosseOlivia Butler - University of Wisconsin–La CrosseLucas J. Carr - University of IowaJessica Gorzelitz - University of IowaWilliam T. Story - University of IowaKara M. Whitaker - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Midwifery, Vol.150, 104591
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104591
- PMID
- 40913886
- NLM abbreviation
- Midwifery
- ISSN
- 0266-6138
- eISSN
- 1532-3099
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/03/2025
- Date published
- 11/01/2025
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Family and Community Medicine; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984962646702771
Metrics
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