Frequent urination is very natural during pregnancy and will begin early in the first trimester of your pregnancy. Normal people pee on average about 6 times a day but it is normal for pregnant women to take slightly frequent visits to the restroom.
This is one of the first symptoms seen in pregnancy and this lasts until the very end. In fact, towards the last few weeks pregnant women report having to pee even more often. So, although it might still be cumbersome to take frequent breaks, you will get used to it very soon.
Causes for frequent urination during pregnancy
There are a couple of reasons which might cause the frequent urination when you are growing a baby inside you. They are:
Increased blood flow
There is a higher amount of blood in your blood inside your body during pregnancy. Thus, your kidney starts functioning at a higher speed and efficiency which results in more pee.
Hormonal
Pregnancy hormones are also to blame for the urge to pee more often as they tend to increase blood flow plus weaken the ligaments in your urethra. The combined effects will make you want to visit the toilet more often.
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Stress Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, exercising, walking e.t.c. This might be due to weaker pelvic floor muscles caused by the growing pressure of the uterus. You can reduce such accidents by practicing pelvic floor exercises like kegel which will help you during pregnancy and postpartum.
Growing Uterus
As the baby grows inside you, the uterus starts to pressurize your bladder. As a result it might result in less urine storing capacity.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If your urge to pee is accompanied by a burning sensation, fever, mild cramp, bloody pee and only a small amount of pee, it might be a case of UTI. Pregnancy has an increased risk of UTI, so if you feel anything is wrong, it might be better to give your doctor a call.
Gestational Diabetes
Sometimes gestational diabetes will also cause you to visit the toilet more often as it is one of the symptoms of diabetes. You will be routinely checked for this by your doctor.
How to manage frequent urination during pregnancy?
- To completely empty your bladder, lean forward while you’re in the toilet seat.
- Caffeine causes frequent urination, so you might need to cut on that.
- Practice pelvic floor muscles strengthening exercises.
- Try to plan out bathrooms before going out somewhere and carry tissue papers with you to avoid chances of UTI’s.
