Why might some women experience leaking pee while pregnant?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Urinary leakage during pregnancy is common and typically caused by two main factors: the growing uterus placing pressure on the bladder, and pregnancy hormones (like progesterone and relaxin) that weaken pelvic floor muscles and reduce bladder control. This can lead to small leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

While often harmless, leaking urine during pregnancy can sometimes signal other issues, such as a urinary tract infection or, later in pregnancy, amniotic fluid leakage—both of which require prompt medical attention. Understanding the cause matters, and identifying it early helps you take the right next steps for you and your baby.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are typical or need closer evaluation, take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights in minutes. It's a quick, private way to better understand what's going on and decide whether to speak with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

During pregnancy, many women experience urinary incontinence, which means they might leak pee. This happens because the baby grows and puts pressure on the bladder, making it harder for the bladder to hold urine. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the muscles that control the bladder, making it more likely for leaks to happen.

Why It Happens

Pressure from the Baby: As the baby grows, it pushes down on the bladder. This pressure can cause leaks, especially when laughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones change a lot during pregnancy. These changes can relax the muscles that help control the bladder, making leaks more common.

Other Considerations

Before Pregnancy: Some women might have had urinary incontinence even before getting pregnant. This can make it more likely to happen during pregnancy.
After Delivery: Urinary incontinence can also happen after the baby is born, whether the delivery was vaginal or by cesarean section.

Understanding these changes can help women know what to expect and seek help if needed. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms during or after pregnancy, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening and when to consult your healthcare provider.

(References)

Martínez Franco E, Parés D, Lorente Colomé N, Méndez Paredes JR, & Amat Tardiu L. (2014). Urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Is there a .... European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 25262291.
Daly D, Clarke M, & Begley C. (2018). Urinary incontinence in nulliparous women before and .... International urogynecology journal, 29362836.
Rortveit G, Daltveit AK, Hannestad YS, Hunskaar S, & Norwegian EPINCONT Study. (2003). Urinary incontinence after vaginal delivery or cesarean .... The New England journal of medicine, 12621134.

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