Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has revealed she suffered with bladder weakness after giving birth to her daughter Summer.
The Olympic medallist opened up about some of the symptoms that can affect women after giving birth, one of which is a weakened pelvic floor.
Speaking to OK! magazine, the 28 year old admitted that she didn't previously realise how common bladder weakness is, and is now trying to raise awareness of the condition that can 'inhibit' women.
Rebecca explained that bladder weakness has an element of taboo surrounding it, with many women not feeling like they can speak about it openly.
'As many women do, I suffered from bladder weakness after having Summer. I was actually really shocked to hear that this is something 1 in 3 women suffer from, making it more common than hay fever. I had no idea - it's just not something people talk about!'
Rebecca, whose daughter is now two, urged other women to not let it 'inhibit' them, 'the more I chat to people the more I realise how common it is; we just can't let it stop us doing what we love to do and letting it inhibit us when there are solutions out there.'
Rebecca also opened up about feeling body confident as a mum, admitting it was hard to lose control of her body in pregnancy.
'For me the hardest was when I was pregnant rather than after as it was so out of your control. After having Summer, it isn't something I thought about for a couple of months as my life had just completely changed.
'Once I'd settled into things, I wanted to get my body back and be in better shape again. My body isn't the same as pre-baby at all but I have a gorgeous healthy daughter so it's totally worth it.'
The young mum also encouraged others to 'not suffer in silence', insisting she won't let the difficult side effects of being a mum affect her life.
'Don't suffer in silence - all new mums suffer from lack of confidence in one way or another, and we need to support each other. I was determined not to let bladder weakness inhibit me.'
Did you suffer with bladder weakness after welcoming a baby? Let us know in the comments below
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