Does childbirth cause incontinence?

You planned for the sleepless nights. You planned for the feeding.

But no one really warned you about the leaks.

Postpartum incontinence isn’t rare, in fact, it’s more common than you would imagine.

Whether you deliver naturally or through a C-section, it doesn’t matter. The mechanics of pregnancy change the equation. Nine months of pressure on your pelvic floor, then the shock of labour itself.

The muscles that once held everything without are stretched, sometimes even torn, and as a consequence, the nerves that cue them can be dulled for weeks.

That’s not failure. It’s biology.

What’s Happening Under the Surface?

Pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments and tissues, allowing the baby to pass through.

Great for birth, but brutal on pelvic support.

Add the weight of a full-term baby pressing on the bladder and bowel, and you’ve had months of slow overload.

During birth, the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter can be strained or even injured.

That’s why many women notice stress incontinence, leaks when you cough, laugh, or pick up the baby.

Most of this is temporary.

But “temporary” can still last months.

Re-training the System

Pelvic floor exercises, the Kegels everyone mentions, aren’t a cliche, they’re rehab. But they only help if you do them correctly. A women’s health physiotherapist can check technique and build a plan.

Breath and movement matter too. Holding your breath when you lift the car seat spikes abdominal pressure and undoes your progress. Exhale on effort.

Don’t dehydrate. Concentrated urine irritates the bladder and makes urgency worse.

If symptoms persist beyond six months or you notice pain, heaviness, or bulging, see a pelvic health specialist or continence clinic.

Sometimes, minor surgical or medical interventions are the right next step.

This Is Recovery, Not Defeat

Leaking after childbirth isn’t a personal flaw.

It’s a phase of healing.

Rehab your pelvic floor with the same intention you give to feeding schedules or sleep routines.

With the right exercises, time, and, when you need it, discreet protection, control comes back.

Motherhood changes everything.

But it doesn’t mean you have to live with leaks.

Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance. All sources used in this article are cited below.