Sudden urinary incontinence 9 months PP

[tb4122]

I'm 9 months post partum and have never had any urinary incontinence at all during pregnancy or after birth. In fact I had urinary retention after birth and had to be catheterised for two weeks as I couldn't pass urine, this resolved (although I had no sensation for four months). All has been normal since.

This evening I did an exercise class that I've been doing for about 6 weeks, some jumping but not very high impact and I felt some wetness. It didn't feel like I was passing urine, in fact I thought my first post partum period had picked a fine time to show up! But the crotch of my leggings is soaked and it's definitely pee. Luckily it was clubbercise which is done in the dark!

Lately I've been a bit lax about pelvic floor exercises, admittedly. Is this just what happens if you don't do them, even after 9 months and with no previous leakage? Or should I see the GP in case I have a UTI?

Sudden and unexplained incontinence should be looked at ASAP, especially given that you previously had loss of sensation

Please book with your GP, or A&E if you have any numbness below the waist

It’s not exactly “normal” post partum but not at all surprising to me with the history you mentioned.
If you’ve got any other uti symptoms you could get checked out but I would probably up the pelvic floor exercises and monitor how it goes.

I agree any sudden changes should be checked out. I had my children a while ago now (they are teenagers!) and have been a long distance runner since they were born, but did a Joe Wicks in lockdown and one specific movement (a jump landing in a squat) would lead to leaking every time. So it may just be a specific movement that causes the issue, in which case step up the pelvic floor exercises and either skip that movement next time (or wear a pad!)