Childbirth and faecal incontinence

It has been known for some time that the main cause of faecal (bowel) incontinence in women is childbirth. A new report in the Lancet now says that having a second child can make things worse. The researchers followed 59 women through their first and second pregnancies. Almost a quarter of the women reported bowel problems after their first child. Five women became incontinent after their second child was born. The report recommends that all women be asked about their bowel habits after their first child. Women who are at risk of a worsening problem can be offered help before subsequent pregnancies.

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