Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, ACOG guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with postpartum urinary incontinence, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Urinary incontinence after birth is very common, affecting up to one-third of women in the postpartum period. The most common type is stress incontinence, where urine leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise, caused by the stretching and weakening of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are highly effective, and most women see significant improvement within three to six months.
Key takeaways
- Urinary incontinence after birth is very common, affecting up to one-third of women in the postpartum period. The most common type is stress incontinence, where urine leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise, caused by the stretching and weakening of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are highly effective, and most women see significant improvement within three to six months.
- Usually normal when: Some urinary leaking in the first weeks after delivery, especially with coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements
- Call your doctor if: You are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH guidelines, urinary incontinence after birth is very common, affecting up to one-third of women in the postpartum period. The most common type is stress incontinence, where urine leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise, caused by the stretching and weakening of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are highly effective, and most women see significant improvement within three to six months. At 0-2 weeks postpartum, some degree of urinary leaking is very common in the immediate postpartum period. The pelvic floor muscles and nerves have been stretched and possibly injured during delivery. You may find it difficult to feel or control these muscles at first. Wearing a pad for both postpartum bleeding and urinary leaking is practical during this time. Very gentle pelvic floor squeezes, if comfortable, can help start the recovery process. It is generally considered normal when some urinary leaking in the first weeks after delivery, especially with coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 weeks postpartum
Some degree of urinary leaking is very common in the immediate postpartum period. The pelvic floor muscles and nerves have been stretched and possibly injured during delivery. You may find it difficult to feel or control these muscles at first. Wearing a pad for both postpartum bleeding and urinary leaking is practical during this time. Very gentle pelvic floor squeezes, if comfortable, can help start the recovery process.
2-6 weeks postpartum
Bladder control should gradually begin to improve during this period, though leaking with sudden movements may continue. Avoiding constipation by staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods is important, as straining puts additional pressure on the recovering pelvic floor. Discuss any ongoing incontinence at your postpartum checkup so your provider can assess your recovery.
6-12 weeks postpartum
With regular pelvic floor exercises, many women notice meaningful improvement by this stage. If you are unsure whether you are doing Kegels correctly, a pelvic floor physical therapist can provide biofeedback to help you target the right muscles. Research shows that supervised pelvic floor training is more effective than doing exercises on your own.
3-6 months postpartum
Continued pelvic floor exercises should lead to ongoing improvement. Most women with mild to moderate stress incontinence see significant resolution by this point with consistent effort. If incontinence is not improving, or if you are also experiencing urge incontinence (a sudden, strong need to urinate that you cannot control), your provider may recommend further evaluation or treatment options.
6-12 months postpartum
Most postpartum urinary incontinence resolves within the first year. If leaking persists despite consistent pelvic floor exercises, additional treatments such as pessary devices, bladder training, or in some cases referral to a urogynecologist may be recommended. You do not need to accept incontinence as an inevitable consequence of motherhood; effective treatments are available.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum urinary incontinence and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if urinary leaking that is not improving after six to eight weeks of consistent pelvic floor exercises.
- Mention if you experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you cannot control (urge incontinence).
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Some urinary leaking in the first weeks after delivery, especially with coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements
- Difficulty sensing or controlling the pelvic floor muscles in the early postpartum period
- Gradual improvement in bladder control over weeks to months with regular pelvic floor exercises
- Urinary leaking that is not improving after six to eight weeks of consistent pelvic floor exercises
- You experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you cannot control (urge incontinence)
- Incontinence is causing you to avoid activities, exercise, or social situations
- You also notice difficulty controlling gas or bowel movements
- You are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention
- You develop sudden loss of bladder and bowel control along with numbness in the saddle area, which could indicate a rare but serious nerve condition
- You have signs of a urinary tract infection such as burning with urination, fever, or blood in the urine along with incontinence
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice postpartum urinary incontinence — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that some urinary leaking in the first weeks after delivery, especially with coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 weeks postpartum, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is postpartum urinary incontinence normal?
When should I call the doctor about postpartum urinary incontinence?
When is postpartum urinary incontinence normal?
What causes postpartum urinary incontinence?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about postpartum urinary incontinence?
Is postpartum urinary incontinence normal at 0-2 weeks postpartum?
Is postpartum urinary incontinence normal at 2-6 weeks postpartum?
Should I go to the ER for postpartum urinary incontinence?
Does postpartum urinary incontinence go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Urinary Incontinence. ACOG FAQ, 2022. ACOG
- [2]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Bladder Control Problems in Women. NIDDK, 2023. NIH
- [3]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pelvic Support Problems. ACOG FAQ, 2021. ACOG
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Postpartum Urinary Incontinence.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum urinary incontinence and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if urinary leaking that is not improving after six to eight weeks of consistent pelvic floor exercises.
- Mention if you experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you cannot control (urge incontinence).
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Urinary leaking that is not improving after six to eight weeks of consistent pelvic floor exercises
- You experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you cannot control (urge incontinence)
- Incontinence is causing you to avoid activities, exercise, or social situations
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention
- You develop sudden loss of bladder and bowel control along with numbness in the saddle area, which could indicate a rare but serious nerve condition
- You have signs of a urinary tract infection such as burning with urination, fever, or blood in the urine along with incontinence
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of postpartum urinary incontinence are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you are unable to urinate at all or experience painful urinary retention, which requires immediate medical attention.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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