Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring enormous changes to the body. Some are expected, some surprising, and some rarely spoken about—like urinary incontinence.
If you’ve ever leaked a little when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or felt that sudden “I need to go NOW” urgency, you’re not alone. Research shows that up to 1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy, and many continue noticing symptoms after birth.
The good news? Urinary incontinence is treatable, and you don’t need to “just live with it.”
Below, we break down the two most common types—stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence—and explain why they happen during pregnancy and postpartum.
What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
“Why do I leak when I sneeze?”
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) happens when pressure (or “stress”) is placed on the bladder during actions such as:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Laughing
- Jumping
- Lifting
- Running
Why SUI Happens in Pregnancy
During pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes soften connective tissues
- The growing uterus increases load on the pelvic floor muscles
- These muscles act as a supportive sling for the bladder and urethra
By the later stages of pregnancy, the pelvic floor has been under pressure for months—so sudden movements or impact may lead to leaks.
Why SUI Happens Postpartum
After birth, especially following a vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles can be:
- Stretched
- Weakened
- Affected by birth trauma
Even women who deliver via caesarean may experience SUI because pregnancy itself places significant strain on the pelvic floor.
What Is Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI)?
“When I’ve gotta go… I’ve gotta go!”
Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) occurs when you feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate and can’t reach the bathroom in time.
Common Causes of UUI in Pregnancy & Postpartum
Urgency may be triggered by:
- Increased bladder pressure
- Changes in bladder sensitivity
- Pelvic floor muscle fatigue
- Post-birth inflammation
- Hydration changes
- Stress, fatigue, or anxiety
Many women also experience “key-in-the-door” urgency, where the urge hits suddenly when arriving home or hearing running water. These sensory triggers are common—and very treatable.
Is Urinary Incontinence Normal After Pregnancy?
Urinary leakage is common, but it is not normal and not something you should feel you must “put up with.”
With the right assessment and treatment, most women experience significant improvement, and many become completely symptom-free.
How a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Can Help
A pelvic floor physiotherapist is uniquely trained to assess and treat urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum. Treatment may include:
✔ Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Helps strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor, reducing stress leakage and improving bladder control.
✔ Bladder Training Strategies
Ideal for urgency incontinence—helps retrain your bladder to follow a more predictable pattern.
✔ Education on Fluid Intake & Bladder Irritants
Caffeine, carbonation, artificial sweeteners, and some supplements can increase urgency.
✔ Pressure Management & Breathing Strategies
Learn how to breathe, lift, and move in a way that protects your pelvic floor.
✔ Postpartum Recovery & Return-to-Exercise Guidance
Support for safe return to exercise, core strengthening, and daily activities without worsening symptoms.
When Should You Seek Help?
Reach out for support if you experience:
- Leakage during pregnancy or after birth
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Leaking when you cough, laugh, or sneeze
- A feeling of heaviness or pelvic pressure
- Fear of exercising due to leaking
Early assessment leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.
You Deserve to Feel Confident in Your Body Again
Urinary incontinence can affect your confidence, fitness, and quality of life—but it doesn’t have to. Pregnancy and postpartum are already demanding; leaking shouldn’t be another stressor.
With the right guidance, most women experience significant improvement and many fully resolve their symptoms.
If you’re ready to take back control, seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist is a powerful first step.