Postpartum Incontinence: Causes, Recovery & How to Manage It

Bringing a baby into the world is life-changing, but it could also come with some unexpected challenges, like postpartum incontinence.¹

If you've noticed leaks or dribbles after giving birth, know that you’re not alone.

In this article, we'll dive into how to manage, prevent, and cope with postpartum incontinence, including how to support a partner through it.

What Is Postpartum Incontinence?

Postpartum incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine you notice after giving birth.¹

It's quite common: as one in three new moms may experience incontinence after childbirth at some point, from the later stages of pregnancy through the first few months postpartum.

Types of Postpartum Incontinence

So, what types of urinary incontinence might new moms experience?

Here are the two main types::

• Stress Incontinence: This happens when urine leaks during activities that put pressure on the bladder, like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising.¹
• Urge Incontinence: This type of incontinence shows up with a sudden, intense urge to pee, which could lead to leaks if you can’t make it to the bathroom in time.¹

For some women, mixed incontinence may happen after childbirth.1 It shows up as a combination of stress and urge incontinence symptoms.¹

So, understanding these types might help you figure out what you're dealing with and how to find the right solutions.

For more in-depth information, check out these resources:

• Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Adults: A comprehensive look at incontinence in adults, covering symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
• What is Stress Incontinence?: An article that dives deeper into stress incontinence, its causes, and effective management strategies.

What Causes Postpartum Incontinence?

After pregnancy and childbirth, your body goes through all kinds of hormonal changes, and one of the more unexpected things that could pop up is bladder leakage.¹

Let’s break down why loss of bladder control after childbirth happens.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

During and after pregnancy, your body experiences major hormonal shifts.1 One of the hormones involved is relaxin.²

Physical Strain of Childbirth

Childbirth can cause pressure and stretching of your pelvic muscles and nerves, leading to some damage, or weakening.¹ This can make it harder to regain the usual control over urination, which can result in some unexpected leaks postpartum.¹

It increases during pregnancy to help your pelvis prepare for delivery by relaxing your muscles, joints, and ligaments.²

This same loosening effect could weaken your pelvic floor and affect bladder control, and it may linger for several months after birth as your body slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy state.¹

Physical Strain of Childbirth

Childbirth could cause pressure and stretching of your pelvic muscles and nerves, leading to some damage, or weakening.¹

 This may make it harder to regain postpartum bladder control, leading to some unexpected leaks.¹

Other Risk Factors

There are also a few other things that can bump up your risk of developing postpartum incontinence.¹ For instance, if you have a bigger baby, the extra weight can put even more pressure on your body during delivery.¹

The length of your labor matters too; longer labors can increase your risk of postpartum incontinence.¹ And if your delivery involved tools like forceps, that could also increase the chances of injuring your pelvic floor muscles, making postpartum incontinence more likely. ¹

Understanding these causes is important, as it can help you know what to expect after giving birth and highlight the importance of reaching out for support if you find yourself dealing with incontinence.

How Long Does Postpartum Incontinence Last?

Urinary incontinence often gets better on its own as your body heals after childbirth.¹ However, in some cases, it might stick around longer.¹

Typical Recovery Timeline

If you find that it continues for more than six weeks after giving birth or if you have any specific worries about it, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional.¹ They can help you figure out what’s going on and explore options for treatment.¹

That said, several factors can influence how long postpartum incontinence sticks around. For example, the severity of any muscle damage during childbirth plays a big role in recovery time.²

Overall health also matters—if you’re taking care of yourself and following a healthy lifestyle, you might bounce back faster.³ It’s important for moms to know that postpartum incontinence doesn’t have to be something they put up with every day. There are plenty of solutions out there, and usually, it just takes that first step of asking for help to start making things better.³

When to See a Doctor

t’s common to experience some urinary incontinence during pregnancy, and it could hang around for a few weeks after giving birth without raising any red flags.¹

But, if you're worried about it or if it continues for more than six weeks after having your baby, we recommend chatting with your doctor.¹

Also, if you find that urinary incontinence is impacting your quality of life or affecting your mental well-being, don’t hesitate to seek help.¹

Your doctor will work with you to create a plan that may help reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.¹

Managing Postpartum Incontinence

It’s good to remember that incontinence after having a baby doesn’t have to be part of your everyday life. There are plenty of solutions, and often it just starts with reaching out and asking for help.³ Here are some options to manage unintended leakage:

Lifestyle Changess

Managing postpartum incontinence may often start with some simple lifestyle changes.

Here are a few practical tips to help you stay in control:

• Schedule Bathroom Visits: Try to set regular times to visit the bathroom, even if you don’t feel an urge. This may help train your bladder.³
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: A healthy weight postpartum could reduce the pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor.¹
• Avoid Bladder Irritants:Some foods and drinks could irritate your bladder, like caffeine and spicy foods.⁴
• Stay hydrated: Reducing how much you drink might seem like a good idea, but drinking less water could make your urine more concentrated, irritating your bladder more.⁴

For more tips on keeping your bladder and kidneys healthy, check out What to Eat and Drink for Bladder and Kidney Health

Protective Products

When it comes to managing urine leakage, using protective products can be a true game changer, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.¹ TENA offers a range of incontinence pads and liners designed to provide the extra support you need, helping you feel more comfortable and confident throughout your day.

For pregnant women, TENA’s Light Liners are ideal for light leakage, while TENA Overnight Pads provide extra protection during the night, ensuring you wake up feeling fresh. With their reliable absorbency and discreet fit, you can go about your daily activities without worry.

The variety of options will help you to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Pelvic Floor Exercises (AKA Kegels)

Kegel exercises are a great way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which could help improve bladder control.¹

If you need help, talk with a pelvic floor physical therapist to guide your technique.

To do Kegels⁵:

1. Make sure your stomach, thigh, and butt muscles are relaxed.

2. Contract your pelvic floor muscles.

3. Hold the contraction for a count of 10.

4. Then, relax the pelvic floor muscles for another count of 10 seconds.

Find More Practical Advice on Exercise for Incontinence:

• Bladder Training, Techniques, and Treatment
• Fight Urinary Leaks with Pelvic Floor Exercises

Sometimes your pelvic floor muscles might be tense, which could be the reason why you feel the need to use the bathroom often.6 A tense pelvic floor could also be as troubling as a weak one.⁶

If you notice any pain or discomfort when peeing or during sex, we recommend telling your doctor.⁶They may start you on pelvic floor physical therapy to help with your symptoms.⁶

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy may be incredibly beneficial as a first line treatment during postpartum recovery.⁷ This therapy focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and building muscle memory and strength.⁷

A trained therapist could help identify areas of weakness to help a woman build a strong pelvic floor, making it a valuable option to consider.⁷

Many women notice improvement with pelvic floor therapy.⁷ If you want to get started, talk to your doctor for a referral.

Can Postpartum Incontinence Be Prevented?

While you may not be able to prevent postpartum incontinence, a few steps may lower your risk.

• Start pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy, not just after birth. Starting Kegels before delivery could help reduce your risk of incontinence later on.¹
• Maintain a healthy weight during and after pregnancy. Carrying excess weight may add to your risk, so keeping a moderate weight might help.¹
• Give your pelvic floor time to recover before high-impact activity. Ease back into exercise with low-impact workouts first.⁵ Jumping into high-impact workouts too soon may not give your pelvic floor enough time to heal.¹
• Keep bowel movements regular. Constipation may put pressure on your bladder and urethra, so eating enough fiber may help.¹

These steps may lower your risk, but they don’t mean you will not have leaks.¹ If you're already noticing symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.

Supporting Your Partner Through Postpartum Incontinence

Postpartum incontinence does not just affect the person experiencing it. It affects the people who love and support her too.

• Be practical, without making it a big deal. Keep protective products stocked and easy to find at home. Have a spare change of clothes ready when you are out together. If an accident happens, do not draw attention to it.
• Give her space and time. Bathroom needs may come up more often or more urgently than before. Be patient with the timing, whether that means pulling over on a drive or stepping away from a family gathering.
• Talk about it like you would talk about anything else. Postpartum incontinence is common and treating it that way in conversation helps take the weight off. You do not need to bring it up constantly, but do not avoid it either.
• Encourage her to get support, gently. If she has not spoken with a doctor yet, we recommend a visit to the doctor together as a next step. Offer to make the appointment, go with her, or simply remind her that help is available. TENA has several postpartum resources to help.
• Recognize what this means for her, not just her body. Incontinence could shake a new mom's confidence during a time that already asks a lot of her; help her feel seen and supported.

This is not something to manage for her. It is something to move through together.

FAQs

What Is Postpartum Incontinence?

Postpartum incontinence is the involuntary loss of pee you may notice after giving birth.¹

It could happen because pregnancy and childbirth may put strain on the pelvic floor muscles and bladder.¹

The most common form is stress incontinence, where leaking may show up during activities like laughing, coughing, or sneezing.1 It is manageable with the right support.¹

How Long Does Postpartum Incontinence Last?

You might notice improvement within the first few weeks or months after birth as your body heals.⁹

But postpartum recovery depends on several factors such as the type of delivery, or the degree of pelvic floor strain.⁹

If your symptoms haven't improved by around six weeks after giving birth, or if they're affecting daily life, you should talk to your doctor.⁹¹

Is It Normal to Leak Urine After Giving Birth?

Yes, urinary leakage after childbirth is very common.⁹ Most new moms experience some degree of incontinence in the weeks and months following birth.⁹ It doesn't mean anything is permanently wrong.⁹

With the right approach, including pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and support from a doctor, you could manage bladder leaks.¹

What Causes Bladder Leakage After Childbirth?

Bladder leakage after childbirth could show up because of weak or strained pelvic floor muscles.1

Several factors may contribute, including pregnancy hormones, the physical demands of labor and delivery, baby size, labor length, and the use of forceps or vacuum during birth.^1,8,9

What Types of Incontinence Are Most Common After Childbirth?

Stress and urge incontinence are common after childbirth.1

Stress leaks happen during activities that put pressure on the bladder, like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.¹

Urge leaks come with a sudden, intense need to pee that is hard to control.1 But some women notice both, known as mixed incontinence.¹

When Should I See a Doctor About Postpartum Incontinence?

We recommend talking to your doctor if you notice leaks after six weeks, if symptoms are getting worse rather than better, or if it’s affecting your daily activities or emotional well-being.⁹

You don't need to wait that long if you're concerned. Reaching out earlier is a good option. A doctor could help understand what's going on and recommend a way to manage it.

Do Kegel Exercises Help with Postpartum Incontinence?

Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, could help you manage postpartum incontinence.⁵

They might work best when done consistently and correctly.⁵ If you're unsure whether you're doing them right, a pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you.

Can Postpartum Incontinence Be Prevented?

While you may not be able to prevent it, there are steps you could take to reduce your risk.¹

Starting pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy, rather than waiting until after birth, could really help.¹

Also, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities too soon after delivery could also help protect the pelvic floor as it heals.^1,5

If you have concerns about your risk, talk to your doctor during pregnancy.

Does the Type of Delivery Affect Incontinence Risk?

Yes, vaginal delivery may carry a higher risk of postpartum incontinence than a cesarean (C-section), because of the stretching and strain on the pelvic floor during birth.⁹

But a C-section may not be risk-free either.10 It could affect your stomach and pelvic floor muscles that help with bladder control.¹⁰

Other risk factors like labor length, baby size, and delivery method might play a role.⁹

Can Postpartum Incontinence Become a Long-Term Problem?

For some women, postpartum incontinence may persist if it isn't treated.¹ Symptoms that seem mild in the early weeks may sometimes become a long-term issue without proper management.¹

It’s manageable, and it’s never too late to seek help.¹ If you’ve been living with incontinence for months or years after giving birth, we recommend talking to your doctor.

References

1. MedicalNewsToday. ‘What to know about urinary incontinence after childbirth’. 2022. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/urinary-incontinence-after-childbirth

2. Barhum L. What Is the Relaxin Hormone During Pregnancy? [Internet]. www.healthcentral.com. 2023 Jan [cited 2026 July 20]. Available from: https://www.healthcentral.com/womens-health/relaxin

3. WebMD. ‘Urinary Incontinence and Pregnancy’. 2023. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/pregnancy

4. Mayo Clinic. Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2025 [cited 2026 July 20]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/in-depth/bladder-control-problem/art-20046597

5. Mayo Clinic. Postpartum exercise: How to get started [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024 [cited 2026 July 20]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/exercise-after-pregnancy/art-20044596

6. Cleveland Clinic. Hypertonic Pelvic Floor: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022 [cited 2026 July 22]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22870-hypertonic-pelvic-floor

7. Cuesta-Paredes M, Labata-Lezaun N, Orts-Ruiz C, López-de-Celis C, Estébanez-de-Miguel E. Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy for Postpartum Urinary Incontinence—Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2026 Jan 19;15(2):810. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41598747/

8. MedicalNewsToday. ‘The causes of frequent urination during pregnancy and what to do’. 2021. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/frequent-urination-during-pregnancy

9. Cleveland Clinic. Incontinence During Pregnancy [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023 Aug [cited 2026 July 20]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16094-pregnancy-and-bladder-control

10. Freutel N. 5 Exercises to Help with Your C-Section Recovery [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2018 Oct [cited 2026 July 20]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/C-section-recovery-exercises