Leaking is common but it's not normal

Many people believe, are told, say, or even read that leaking urine is normal, especially after having a baby. Women are often told this by their friends, family members and even medical professionals. Leakage may occur right away, years later, or after the kids have left home. Leaking urine is common after having a baby, but it is NOT normal.

Here’s a common example: New mother, “Mommy P” gave birth to a healthy baby 2 years ago. Her doctor told her she could resume normal exercise at her 6 week appointment after delivery. The first time she went back to cardio class she peed her pants while jumping. Some other women in the class told her not to be embarrassed because that happened to them the first time they worked out too. It’s “normal” they said. She tried jogging but had to stop because her shorts were completely drenched in urine by the time she made it back home. Even when she went to the restroom to empty her bladder right before exercise she still leaked some. Mommy P stopped exercising. Then she noticed that she leaked a small amount of urine when coughing when she caught a cold. She talked to her doctor and was told that it’s “normal” because she had a baby. Over time she was finally able to resume some light exercise. She never resumed high impact cardio or jogging. She still leaked a small amount sometimes when she sneezed. Then Mommy P had baby number 2. She was seeing a different doctor this time and at her 6 week appointment she told the doctor that she had leaked with exercise, coughing and sneezing since having her first child. The new doctor referred her to a pelvic physical therapist. The doctor told Mommy P that the physical therapist would teach her how to strengthen her muscles so she doesn’t leak and would be able to resume exercise. Mommy P went to the pelvic physical therapist. At the first visit the pelvic physical therapist told her:

“Although leaking is common after having a baby, it’s not normal.”

Mommy P learned how to strengthen her pelvic floor muscles and was able to cough and sneeze without leaking as well as resume exercise without peeing her pants. Mommy P even resumed running and was able to participate in 5ks with her friends. Mommy P still does her exercises. Last week Mommy P was doing jump rope in a cardio class and a new mom peed her pants. Mommy P told her not be embarrassed and that it’s common. However Mommy P did not tell her that it’s normal. Mommy P shared her story and told her where she could get help.