Is Leaking During Pregnancy Normal? Signs Your Pelvic Floor Needs Support
Many pregnant women experience urinary leakage, whether it’s a few drops when sneezing or a sudden urge to go. While it’s common, it’s not something you have to accept as "just part of pregnancy." Leaking can be a sign that your pelvic floor muscles need extra support to handle the physical changes of pregnancy.
The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in bladder control, but as the baby grows, these muscles weaken under increased pressure. This can lead to stress incontinence—leakage when coughing, laughing, or exercising. The good news? Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and retrain these muscles, reducing or even eliminating leakage.
At The Pelvic Institute in Chicago, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy to help expectant mothers stay comfortable and confident. In this guide, we’ll explore why leaking happens, when it’s a sign of dysfunction, and how pelvic floor therapy can help.
Why Does Leaking Happen During Pregnancy?
Urinary leakage during pregnancy is common, but understanding why it happens can help you take the right steps to manage it. Two main factors contribute to this issue:
Increased Pressure on the Bladder – As the baby grows, the uterus expands and places extra pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity and making accidental leakage more likely.
Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy hormones, particularly relaxing and progesterone, cause the pelvic floor muscles to loosen and stretch, weakening their ability to properly support the bladder.
These changes can lead to stress incontinence, meaning leakage occurs during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. While some leakage may be expected, persistent or worsening symptoms could be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction that requires professional support.
When Is Leaking a Sign of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
While occasional leakage can be a normal part of pregnancy, frequent or uncontrollable leaks may indicate pelvic floor dysfunction. Signs that your pelvic floor may need extra support include:
Leaking with minimal effort – If you notice leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or even standing up, it could mean your pelvic floor muscles are too weak to support the bladder.
Sudden urges or difficulty holding urine – If you frequently feel the need to rush to the bathroom or struggle to hold it in, your pelvic floor coordination may be affected.
A heavy or bulging sensation in the pelvis – Feelings of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area may indicate weakened or overstretched pelvic muscles, which can worsen postpartum
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate urinary leakage during pregnancy. A physical therapist can help you strengthen, retrain, and improve coordination of the pelvic floor muscles to better support the bladder.
Key benefits of pelvic floor therapy include:
Strengthening Weak Pelvic Muscles – Targeted exercises help improve muscle tone and endurance, reducing the likelihood of leaks.
Improving Bladder Control – Learning how to properly engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles enhances urinary control and reduces urgency.
Enhancing Core Stability – Since the pelvic floor and deep core muscles work together, therapy can improve overall stability and reduce excess strain on the bladder.
With guided therapy sessions at The Pelvic Institute in Chicago, expectant mothers can regain confidence and reduce discomfort while preparing their bodies for labor and postpartum recovery.
When to Seek Professional Support
If urinary leakage is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional support. A pelvic floor therapist can help assess your symptoms and create a plan to restore strength and function.
You should consider pelvic floor therapy if you experience:
Frequent or uncontrollable leakage, even with small movements.
Sudden urges that make it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
A heavy, bulging, or weak feeling in the pelvic region.
Continued bladder control issues after childbirth.
The earlier you address pelvic floor concerns, the easier it is to regain control and prevent long-term issues. Working with a specialist ensures that you train these muscles properly, setting you up for a more comfortable pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Final Insights
While urinary leakage during pregnancy is common, it’s not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and retrain your muscles, improving bladder control and overall comfort as your body changes. Addressing these issues early can also make labor and postpartum recovery smoother.
At The Pelvic Institute in Chicago, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy for expectant mothers, helping them feel strong, supported, and confident throughout pregnancy.
Ready to take control of your pelvic health? Schedule an appointment with The Pelvic Institute today and get expert guidance for a more comfortable pregnancy.
