Stop Leaking When You Laugh, Move, or Exercise

Written By Emily Clausi

At Emily Parkes Pelvic Health, this is one of the most common concerns I hear from women—especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

Leaking when you:

  • Laugh

  • Sneeze

  • Run

  • Pick up your baby

It might be common… but it’s not something you have to live with.

And if you’ve been told to “just do Kegels,” you’re not getting the full picture.

Why You’re Actually Leaking

Leaking (also called stress urinary incontinence) isn’t just about “weak pelvic floor muscles.”

It’s about how your entire core system works together.

Your core includes:

  • Your diaphragm (breathing muscle)

  • Your abdominal muscles

  • Your back muscles

  • Your pelvic floor

These muscles manage pressure inside your body all day long.

During pregnancy and postpartum, this system goes through significant changes:

  • Increased pressure from a growing baby

  • Stretching of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles

  • Changes in breathing and posture

When this system isn’t coordinating well, pressure builds—and leaking can happen.

Why This Is So Common During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Your body is adapting in real time.

You might notice leaking:

  • As your pregnancy progresses

  • When returning to exercise postpartum

  • When doing everyday movements like lifting your baby or getting out of bed

Many women assume this is just part of the process.

But while it’s common, it’s very treatable with the right approach.

Why Kegels Alone Aren’t the Answer

Kegels can be helpful—but they’re often overprescribed and misunderstood.

They don’t address:

  • How you’re breathing

  • How your body manages pressure

  • How your muscles work during real-life movement

In some cases, doing Kegels alone can even make symptoms worse if the pelvic floor is already overactive or not coordinating properly.

How We Approach This at Emily Parkes Pelvic Health

My goal isn’t just to stop the leaking—it’s to help you feel confident and supported in your body again.

Here’s how we do that:

1. Restore Breathing & Pressure Control

We start by improving how your body manages pressure.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Breathe in a way that supports your core

  • Avoid bearing down during movement

  • Coordinate your diaphragm and pelvic floor

This is foundational—especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

2. Build Strength That Supports Your Life

You don’t live your life lying on a table doing isolated exercises.

So we focus on functional strength, including:

  • Squatting

  • Lifting

  • Carrying (yes, including your baby)

  • Getting up and down from the floor

All tailored to your stage—whether you’re pregnant or newly postpartum.

3. Improve Coordination & Confidence

Your body needs to respond automatically to movement and pressure.

We work on:

  • Timing of muscle activation

  • Movement patterns

  • Gradual return to exercise

So you can get back to:

  • Workouts

  • Daily activities

  • Feeling like yourself again

What You Can Expect

Women I work with often:

  • Stop leaking during daily activities and exercise

  • Feel stronger and more supported

  • Return to movement with confidence

Most importantly—they stop feeling like this is something they just have to “deal with.”

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

If you’re:

  • Pregnant and noticing new symptoms

  • Postpartum and unsure how to safely return to exercise

  • Tired of leaking and avoiding certain movements

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

At Emily Parkes Pelvic Health, I offer one-on-one, in-person sessions designed specifically for women in this stage of life.

Book a consultation today to get a personalized plan that supports your body, your recovery, and your goals.

Emily Clausi