03/12/2025
What Many Parents Don't Realise about Bedwetting in Children đ
When a child is bedwetting, most parents immediately assume "it's the childs laziness" âitâs hereditaryâ or âthey will outgrow it.â
Yes, sometimes itâs geneticâŚ
But many times,
There are hidden issues that need to be ruled out first.
Here are some important ones:
1ď¸âŁ Proper Hygiene - Especially for Girls
Poor perineal hygiene can increase the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is when germs enter and infect the urethra (the passage) or bladder (were urine temporarily stores in the body before we go to the toilet). This causes a sharp, burning pain when urinating and a constant feeling of needing to p*e.
And a UTI doesnât always show up as fever or pain.
For some children, the "only" sign is increased urinary frequency, urgency, or⌠bedwetting.
If your child suddenly starts bedwetting again after stopping, please check for a possible UTI.
2ď¸âŁ Constipation
This one surprises many parents.
When the bowels are full, they put pressure on the bladder⌠leading to leakage at night.
Signs to watch out for:
- Hard, pellet-like stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Skipping days without p**ping
- Stomach discomfort
3ď¸âŁ Emotional & Psychological Stress
Children may not always know how to express their feelings, but their bodies will.
Look out for:
- Major life changes (new school, new sibling, change of environment)
- Molestation (especially in girls! And especially when they have stopped bedwetting initially!!!)
- Bullying
- Nightmares or anxiety
- Family tension
- Fear of punishment
When a child feels emotionally unsafe, the nervous system can respond through sleep disturbances - including bedwetting.
4ď¸âŁ Sudden Regression? Pay Attention.
If a child who has been dry for months (or years) suddenly begins wetting the bed again, thatâs a 'red flag'.
Regression usually means 'something changed', and itâs worth investigating.
Yes, genetics can play a role.
But it should only be considered 'after' checking these:
âď¸ Hydration habits
âď¸ Bathroom routine
âď¸ Constipation
âď¸ Sleep patterns
âď¸ Emotional wellbeing ( Addressed through being extra observant of the childs patterns, habits, diet, talking, play, patience, and possibly consulting a child therapist.)
âď¸ Possible UTI
âď¸ General pelvic floor development
You would be surprised how many cases resolve completely just by addressing these factors.
Parenting is already hard, adding bedwetting frustration makes it even harder.
But the goal is not to shame the child or panicâŚ
Itâs to 'understand the root cause' and support them gently.
If you are not sure where to start, a paediatric pelvic health professional can guide you through assessing these factors and creating a plan that actually works.
P.S.
I am not a "Paediatric" Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.
I am a Pelvic & Womenâs Health Physiotherapist at HealFit Physiotherapy, and I specialise in helping women heal their pelvic floors, postpartum bodies, diastasis recti (mummy tummy), flabby tummy, and womenâs health - related conditions - especially through virtual care.
This post is simply to create awareness for parents.
For child-specific concerns, please consult a qualified pediatrician /paediatric pelvic health professional.