Why Leaking Isn’t Normal After Delivery
For many new mothers, a little “leaking” after childbirth — whether it’s urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting — is often dismissed as normal or “just part of motherhood.”
But here’s the truth: leaking may be common, but it isn’t something you should ignore.
Understanding what causes postpartum leaking and how to treat it can help you regain confidence, comfort, and control over your body.
Leaking after delivery is most often caused by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase pressure inside the abdomen.
Typical scenarios include:
Sneezing, coughing, or laughing
Lifting something heavy
Exercising or running
Even standing up suddenly
While this is common in the weeks after childbirth, it doesn’t have to be permanent.