Incontinence Advice

Incontinence after childbirth: how to protect and treat yourself following a birth

Leaking urine when you sneeze or laugh? Incontinence after having a baby is probably not what you expected – but it’s more common than you might think.

incontinence after childbirth

For many new mothers, urinary leakage is temporary and improves with time, but for others, it can persist and affect daily life. Understanding why it happens, when to seek help and what treatment options are available can make a big difference in recovery and confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore incontinence after childbirth (also known as postpartum incontinence) —why it happens, what symptoms to look out for, and practical ways to manage it. 

Key points:

  • According to National Childbirth Trust (NCT), as many as one in three women experience urinary incontinence within the first three months after childbirth. 

  • Weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles are a common cause.

  • The condition can improve naturally within 6 to 12 weeks after childbirth.

  • Lifestyle changes and targeted exercises can reduce leaks.

  • Effective treatment is available, and it’s not something you have to ‘put up’ with.

     

Incontinence after childbirth

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine. It may be just a small dribble or a full loss of bladder control. For some, it happens only when sneezing, coughing or lifting something heavy; for others, it’s more frequent and difficult to manage.

Incontinence following childbirth is common because pregnancy and childbirth place extra pressure on the pelvic floor – the group of muscles that support the uterus, bladder and bowel.

While there are different types of incontinence, incontinence following childbirth is often due to a weakened pelvic floor. This is known as stress incontinence, which causes leaks when pressure is placed on the bladder. Learn about treatment options for stress incontinence.
incontinence after childbirth what is urinary incontinence

What are the symptoms of incontinence after childbirth?

You might notice urine leaking when you:


  • Laugh or cough

  • Sneeze

  • Run, jump or lift something heavy

  • Exercise or stretch

  • Struggle with constipation

Some people also pass wind without meaning to due to pelvic floor weakness. These signs of incontinence after childbirth are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them.

What causes incontinence after childbirth?

During pregnancy, your body produces hormones that loosen and stretch your muscles in preparation for birth. This includes the muscles around your bladder, bowel and womb – known as the pelvic floor muscles. As the pregnancy progresses, the increased weight presses down on these muscles and can make them weaker. When giving birth vaginally, the pelvic floor stretches even further. It can remain stretched for a while after delivery, making it harder to control your bladder.

You’re more likely to experience incontinence after childbirth if:

  • You had weak pelvic floor muscles or incontinence issues before pregnancy.

  • You carried a large baby.

  • Your pelvic floor muscles were damaged during delivery.

  • Your labour was assisted with forceps or vacuum.

  •  You had an episiotomy or a large tear.

  • You live with obesity, diabetes or chronic coughing.

  •  You have long-term constipation or experience regular strain when using the toilet.

  • You experienced nerve damage to the bladder during delivery, which can delay signals between your brain and bladder, making it harder to control urination.

When to see professional support

Post-childbirth incontinence often improves naturally within around 6 to 12 weeks after delivery. However, for many women, symptoms can persist for a lot longer. If your symptoms continue or worsen, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as your health visitor. They may refer you to a women's health physiotherapist. The NHS has launched a National Pelvic Health Service to improve care for women dealing with incontinence and other pelvic floor issues following childbirth. 

Seek help if you:


  • Leak frequently or heavily.

  • Feel pain when passing urine.

  • Notice a dragging or heaviness sensation in your pelvic area.

  • Experience discomfort during sex.

  • Find bladder leaks are affecting your daily life.


You don’t have to put up with it – treatment for urinary incontinence is available, and support can make a big difference.
incontinence after childbirth seek professional help

Could it be a UTI?

Sometimes symptoms that seem like post-childbirth incontinence may actually be due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). They’re common after birth, especially if you’ve had a catheter or stitches.

Many symptoms of a UTI can feel similar to post-childbirth incontinence, including:

  • Needing to urinate suddenly or more frequently than you normally would.

  • Pain or burning when passing urine.

  • Lower tummy pain.

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

  • Blood in your urine.

  • Feeling unwell, tired or feverish.

If you notice any of these signs, speak to a healthcare professional. Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, and symptoms usually clear up within a few days.

Can incontinence after childbirth be prevented?

You can reduce the risk of incontinence by integrating lifestyle changes, such as starting pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and continuing them after birth, if you are able. However, after giving birth, it is important to prioritise rest – especially if you’ve had stitches or tearing – before considering returning to any regular exercise.

Here are some more ways to protect your pelvic floor: 

Diet

Pelvic floor-friendly habits and exercise

  • Avoiding high-impact exercises and heavy lifting.

  • Go to the toilet only when you need to – not ‘just in case.’

  • When on the toilet, sit with your knees above your hips.

  • Avoid straining or pushing.

If you experience leakage while exercising, this doesn’t mean you have to stop being active. Focus on low-impact activities and avoid bouncing, jumping, or heavy lifting until you’ve fully recovered. (Runner’s World offers guidance on how to exercise safely during and after pregnancy without putting excess strain on the pelvic floor). 

These strategies can support your body’s recovery and help reduce the risk of long-term incontinence following pregnancy and childbirth.
incontinence after childbirth treatment

Possible complications

If left untreated, post-childbirth incontinence can lead to further issues, such as: 

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles may lead to a pelvic organ prolapse.

  • Pain or discomfort during sex due to vaginal trauma or weakness.

  • Emotional effects like anxiety, low mood or embarrassment.

It is important not to ignore symptoms because they feel too personal. Support is available, and you don’t have to manage the condition on your own. First-hand accounts from women living with postpartum incontinence highlight how overlooked and isolating the experience can feel, but also show that help and recovery are possible.

What are the treatment options for post-birth incontinence?

Some women find that incontinence after birth improves naturally over time. However, treatments are available to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of symptoms returning.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises for women (often called Kegels) help retrain the muscles that support your bladder and bowel. They’re one of the most common and effective treatments for urinary incontinence after childbirth.

How to do them:

  • Sit or lie down and relax your muscles.

  • Squeeze the muscles around your vagina and anus, as if trying to stop the flow of urine.

  • Hold for 8 seconds while breathing normally.

  • Relax for another 8 seconds.

  • Repeat 8–12 times, three times a day.

You can do these exercises anywhere – while feeding your baby, watching TV, out for a walk or even lying in bed. If you’re unsure you’re doing them correctly, speak to a physiotherapist or continence nurse.

If you continue to have symptoms of incontinence after trying pelvic floor exercises, or if the cause of your incontinence is unclear, you may be referred for a urodynamic test to check how your bladder is working. This test assesses how effectively your bladder holds and releases urine, as well as whether any nerve damage incurred during childbirth might be impacting your bladder control.

Surgery

Where lifestyle changes and exercises don’t resolve the issue, surgery may be considered. Your doctor will explain the recommended procedure and discuss the associated risks and benefits to help you decide if surgery is right for you.

Living with incontinence after childbirth

For some, incontinence following childbirth doesn’t fully go away. However, there are practical steps you can take to manage it confidently day to day:

  • Use MoliCare® female incontinence products designed specifically for urine leaks – they offer more absorbency than regular sanitary products.

  • Carry spare underwear or clothes in your bag when you’re out.

  • Plan routes that include accessible toilets – there are apps to help with this.

  • Cross your legs and squeeze your pelvic floor muscles to prevent urine leakage when coughing, sneezing or lifting.

  • Choose low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming or yoga.

Remember, there is no shame in managing incontinence after birth – many others are going through the same thing. A 2025 global literature review found that post-birth incontinence can significantly affect women’s emotional wellbeing, social life and confidence, but with the right support it can be managed effectively.

Support from HARTMANN Direct and MoliCare®

If you're managing incontinence during pregnancy or post-birth, you don’t have to face it alone. At HARTMANN Direct, we partner with MoliCare® to offer discreet, comfortable solutions designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine.

From incontinence products tailored for women to specialised skincare that helps soothe and protect your skin, each product is designed to help you feel dry and confident, whether you're at home or on the go.

We also stock women’s nappies for heavier leaks or overnight protection – perfect for new mums who wish to avoid being disturbed at night by leaks, in addition to interruptions from their baby.

With fast delivery and expert advice, HARTMANN Direct is here to support you every step of the way.
incontinence after childbirth molicare absorbent underwear

FAQs

Can a C-section prevent incontinence?

A Caesarean section (C-section) may reduce the risk of urinary incontinence compared to vaginal birth because it avoids the stretching and potential injury to the pelvic floor muscles during delivery. However, it does not completely prevent incontinence, as pregnancy itself places significant pressure on the pelvic floor, and hormonal changes can weaken these muscles regardless of delivery method.

Can urinary incontinence improve without treatment?

Yes, for some women, symptoms improve naturally within 6 to 12 weeks as the pelvic floor recovers. However, targeted pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes can accelerate recovery.

Are UTIs contagious?

No, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not contagious. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, usually from the bowel, but they are not spread through casual contact with others.

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