Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth
You survived pregnancy, delivery, and the newborn stage — but now you’re dealing with bladder leakage that won’t go away. If you’re leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or pick up your baby, know that you’re not alone, and this is not something you have to accept as the price of motherhood.
Why This Happens
Pregnancy and delivery place extraordinary demands on the pelvic floor. During pregnancy, the growing baby’s weight presses on the bladder and pelvic floor for months. During vaginal delivery, these tissues stretch dramatically — and sometimes muscles or nerves are temporarily injured. Even C-section delivery doesn’t fully protect the pelvic floor, because pregnancy itself is a major risk factor.
Dr. Stewart explains: “The pelvic floor is remarkably resilient, but it needs support during recovery — just like any muscle group after significant strain. Many women recover naturally, but those who don’t shouldn’t assume they’re stuck with leaking forever.”
Signs You Should Seek Help
- Leaking that persists beyond 6 months postpartum
- Symptoms getting worse rather than better over time
- Leaking that limits your activity or causes you to avoid exercise
- Needing to wear pads during daily activities
- Incontinence that worsened with subsequent pregnancies
Treatment Options
- Pelvic floor physical therapy — the most effective first-line treatment. A specialized therapist can assess your pelvic floor and guide recovery far beyond basic Kegels
- Proper Kegel technique — many women do these incorrectly; a therapist ensures you’re engaging the right muscles
- Time and healing — tissue recovery continues up to a year postpartum
- Pessary — a removable support device, useful during exercise or high-demand activities
- Specialist evaluation — if conservative measures aren’t enough, a urogynecologist can discuss additional options including minimally invasive surgery
Dr. Stewart notes: “I encourage new mothers to be patient with their bodies but also to be proactive. If leaking is still happening at your 6-week or 3-month checkup, ask for a referral to a pelvic floor therapist. Early intervention makes a big difference.”
Your Next Steps
You’ve taken care of your baby — now it’s time to take care of yourself. Postpartum incontinence is one of the most treatable conditions in urogynecology. Don’t wait years to address it.
Learn more about urinary incontinence
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Dr. Stewart understands the unique challenges you're facing and is here to help.
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