Somewhere along the way, motherhood taught us to press “pause” on even the most basic needs. Coffee goes cold, lunches get half-eaten, and yes—even bathroom breaks get delayed.

At first it feels like a joke. You tell yourself, I’ll just finish folding this load of laundry before I go. Then the toddler spills their juice, the older one needs help finding their homework, the dog scratches at the door, and before you know it, it’s been hours.

Funny? Maybe. Normal? Sadly, yes. But healthy? Not at all.

Moms Are Literally Holding It In

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re the only one doing this—you’re not. A 2019 survey from HealthyWomen.org found that nearly 1 in 3 moms admit to regularly postponing bathroom breaks because they feel “too busy.” In another poll conducted by The Motherhood Center, moms ranked “going to the bathroom alone” as one of their top three “luxuries” of early parenting.

Think about that for a second: something that should be a basic human right ends up feeling like a luxury.

And it’s not just about convenience—it’s about health. Doctors warn that consistently delaying urination can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stretching, and even kidney strain.

Research Findings About Women Delaying Bathroom Breaks

1. Women Delay Voiding When Busy

• A review of toileting behavior found that 25%–85% of women reported delaying urination because they were busy.
• In studies of women including healthcare workers and students, delayed voiding due to busyness was widespread—especially among those juggling care responsibilities.

2. Habitual “Just-in-Case” Urination

• Many women empty their bladder “just in case”, even without feeling the urge. For instance:
  • 80% of employees at a medical center reported doing this.
  • Among students: 72% in an American college, and 46% in a Swedish university reported urinating preemptively.

3. Influence of Environmental and Social Barriers

• Women’s decisions to use—or avoid—restrooms aren’t always based on physical need. Factors such as toilet cleanliness, access, societal constraints, or work culture play a significant role.
• Some women avoid public toilets due to cleanliness concerns, while others wait until home or a “safe” environment.

4. Workplace Constraints

• Women often delay bathroom breaks at work due to limited opportunities. This includes jobs with strict break schedules or caregiving responsibilities, like teaching or healthcare, where leaving isn’t easy.

Why Do Moms Do This?

Three reasons come up again and again when moms are asked:

1. Guilt. Moms feel like everything will fall apart if they step away—even for two minutes.
2. Interruptions. Just when you head for the bathroom, someone yells, “Mom, I need you!”
3. Culture. We’ve normalized the idea that moms come last. Coffee, sleep, bathroom breaks—it all waits until everyone else is taken care of.

Sound familiar?

What Moms Can Do Instead

Here are some practical, research-backed shifts to make:

1. Treat bathroom breaks like non-negotiables.
   Doctors recommend going every 3–4 hours. If your kid can wait for their snack, they can wait for you.
2. Announce it clearly.
   “Mom’s going to the bathroom. I’ll be back in two minutes.” It may sound silly, but saying it out loud sets a boundary.
3. Use it as a teaching moment.
   When your kids see you take care of your needs, they learn to listen to their bodies too. That’s a lifelong gift.
4. Stop glorifying sacrifice.
   You don’t get a medal for ignoring your bladder. You do, however, get health problems later if you keep it up.

A Small Act of Self-Care That Matters

We talk a lot about self-care in motherhood—spa days, meditation, yoga retreats. But sometimes, it’s much simpler. Self-care can look like eating while it’s hot, drinking your coffee while it’s warm, and yes—using the bathroom when you need to.

It sounds small, but small acts of self-care add up. They remind you (and everyone around you) that moms are human too.

The next time you feel like putting off a bathroom break, remember: you’re not just holding it in for a few minutes—you’re reinforcing the idea that your needs don’t matter. But they do.

So go. Go proudly. Go unapologetically. And if anyone asks where you are, answer with confidence:

“Mom’s in the bathroom. She’ll be right out.”

For more practical strategies that help you recharge your energy, calm your mind, and prioritize your wellbeing without guilt, check out our full guide on self-care routines and tips for moms. These ideas are designed for real mom life and can help you feel more balanced and refreshed, one small moment at a time: Self-Care Routines & Tips for Moms.