Why Peeing “Just a Little” When You Laugh Isn’t Normal (Even Postpartum)

Let’s set the record straight: peeing when you laugh, sneeze, or jump is common - but it’s not normal. And no, it’s not just part of “mom life.” You deserve better than pads and embarrassment.

What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?

SUI is the involuntary leakage of urine during pressure changes like:

• Laughing

• Sneezing

• Jumping

• Lifting

  
  

It usually stems from core and pelvic floor dysfunction, not just weakness.

Why It Happens

• Pelvic floor not engaging quickly enough to counter pressure

• Poor coordination between breath, core, and pelvic floor

• Postural changes from pregnancy or postpartum

• Overactive muscles that can't contract fully when needed

According to a 2010 review in Neurourology and Urodynamics, pelvic floor muscle training is the first-line treatment for stress incontinence - and has better outcomes than surgery in mild-to-moderate cases.

Why It’s Not Normal

Normal means symptom-free function. Just because many women deal with it doesn’t make it acceptable - especially when treatment exists.

A 2021 study in BJOG found that women who received pelvic floor therapy postpartum had a significantly lower incidence of incontinence one year later.

What You Can Do

• Get a pelvic floor assessment

• Learn breath-to-core connection techniques

• Identify whether you’re weak, tight, or uncoordinated

• Start a personalized plan - not just random Kegels

  
  

Don’t settle for pads or crossed legs when you laugh. Peeing when you sneeze is a red flag, not a rite of passage. And yes - it can get better.