Is It Just “Mom Bladder” or Something More? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

You laugh, you sneeze… and you leak.You try to hold it on the way home or during a workout… and you just can’t.You’ve probably heard it called “mom bladder,” and maybe even been told it’s just a normal part of having kids.

But here’s the thing: leaking might be common—but it’s not normal.And it doesn’t only happen to people who’ve had babies.

Let’s talk about what your bladder might be trying to tell you.

The Myth of "Mom Bladder"

“Mom bladder” is a term that gets thrown around to describe leaking after pregnancy, especially with jumping, sneezing, or laughing. It’s used casually, often with a laugh or a shrug. But it can keep a lot of women from seeking help—because it makes leaking seem like something you just have to accept.

The truth? Leaking is a symptom. Not a personality trait.

What Might Actually Be Going On

Leaking is usually a sign that your pelvic floor isn’t coordinating well with your core and breathing system. That might mean:

• The muscles are too weak

• The muscles are too tight

• There’s poor pressure management during movement

• Your bladder signals are overactive or misfiring

And yes, all of those can happen years after birth—or even if you’ve never been pregnant.

Signs That Deserve More Attention

These are some of the bladder-related symptoms we look at during pelvic floor assessments:

• You leak during movement (jumping, lifting, sneezing, etc.)

• You leak on the way to the bathroom

• You pee “just in case” all the time

• You have strong urges but barely any output

• You feel heaviness or pressure, especially at the end of the day

• You’ve changed how you work out because of bladder control

• You wear a pad “just in case” even though it’s not your period

If you're nodding at more than one of these, your pelvic floor may need support—not just Kegels, but a full-body approach that looks at how you breathe, move, and manage pressure.

What We Look For in Therapy

At Webb PT, we don’t just hand you a list of exercises. We assess:

• How your bladder responds to pressure

• How your core and pelvic floor are coordinating

• If your breathing habits are contributing to leaks

• How your daily movement and posture are helping or hindering progress

Sometimes leaking improves quickly with just a few small habit shifts. Other times it takes a bit more support. But either way, it’s treatable.

What You Don’t Have to Do

• You don’t have to avoid movement you enjoy

• You don’t have to stop running

• You don’t have to live in black leggings and backup pads

• You don’t have to settle for “mom bladder”

You’re allowed to ask for help—even if it’s been years since your last baby.

Especially if no one told you pelvic floor therapy was an option.

📍Located in Lawrence, KS?We specialize in helping women of all ages regain bladder control and rebuild confidence through compassionate, whole-body pelvic care.

Book a consult or reach out today.