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Is it normal to leak after a baby? Sure, it may be common, but it certainly does not mean it is normal and it is most definitely preventable and treatable! 

So, why do most women leak during or after giving birth? Our pelvic floor muscles become weak during pregnancy due to the increase in pressure down on the pelvic floor while supporting your baby. This can cause difficulty for the pelvic floor muscles to do their job! When they become weak, it allows for urine to pass through. So, when you cough, sneeze or even pick up your baby that increase in intra-abdominal pressure is too much for the pelvic floor muscles to activate and prevent leaking. This is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The literature reports that urinary incontinence persists up to 12 years after childbirth for women who experienced urinary incontinence at 3 months post birth and that SUI is more common at 3.5 years post birth than at 8 weeks. (1). Urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum is a significant health concern. Therefore, us healthcare providers need to educate women better and actively participate in the patient’s learning for long term success! The good news is that there are physiotherapists that specialize in women’s health and can help you recover with proper treatment designed to your unique needs. So, if you are leaking right after pregnancy or years after, schedule an appointment today with us, so we can help you get back to activities without the fear of leaking! 


  1. Yount SM, Fay RA, Kissler KJ. Prenatal and postpartum experience, knowledge and engagement with KEGELS: A longitudinal, Prospective, Multisite Study. Journal of Women's Health. 2021;30(6):891-901. doi:10.1089/jwh.2019.8185 

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