Continence in women during pregnancy and following childbirth is an important issue that needs to be managed appropriately. Urinary and bowel problems can have numerous negative physical and psychological consequences, and women may be too embarrassed to seek help. Healthcare professionals need to encourage and support women to identify any changes in their normal bowel and bladder habits. They also need to have knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the urinary, reproductive and digestive systems to understand how continence may be affected during pregnancy and following childbirth.