Why do I leak urine after childbirth?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineLeaking urine after childbirth is common because pregnancy and birth weaken the pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder; it usually improves with daily pelvic floor exercises, but see a physiotherapist if it persists beyond about 3 months.

Leaking urine after childbirth happens because pregnancy and birth stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support your bladder. It's very common, especially with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise - and it usually improves with pelvic floor exercises.

Why it happens

• The weight of pregnancy and the stretching of birth weaken the pelvic floor
• Nerves and tissues around the bladder can be temporarily affected, especially after a long labour or assisted delivery
• This leads to stress incontinence - leaking when there's pressure on the bladder

What helps

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): The most effective treatment - do them daily and keep going for several months.
• Bladder habits: Don't routinely go "just in case," and avoid constipation, which strains the pelvic floor.
• Gradual return to exercise so you don't overload a recovering pelvic floor.

How long it lasts

For many people leaking improves over weeks to a few months with consistent pelvic floor work. Don't assume it's just something to live with.

When to get help

See your provider or a women's health physiotherapist if leaking persists beyond about 3 months, is severe, or comes with a bulge or heaviness in the vagina (a possible sign of prolapse). Effective treatments are available.

Femora helps you track symptoms and stick with your pelvic floor routine.