During pregnancy, many women have at least some degree of urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine. The incontinence may be mild and infrequent for some pregnant women. But it can be more severe for others. Age and body mass index are risk factors for pregnancy incontinence, according to one study.
Incontinence can continue after pregnancy and may not be present right after childbirth. Some women don't have bladder problems until they reach their 40s.