Most women feel that they visit the bathroom more than usual during pregnancy.
Many even think that frequent urges to urinate is a sign that they are about to conceive. Well, they are somewhat right because frequent urination is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy starting in the first trimester.
Causes of Urination
The leading cause of frequent urination is the hormone HCG, which tends to increase the blood flow in your pelvic area. Another reason might be the growing size of the uterus as it puts pressure on your bladder allowing less room to store the urine. In the third trimester, the baby’s head drops down into the pelvis, and this creates pressure on your bladder, creating urges to urinate.
What to do to fight these urges?
- You can try to empty your bladder completely by leaning forward during urination. This would reduce your number of trips eventually.
- Try double-voiding. In this process, you pee, and when you are done, you try urinating again, which ensures the bladder is completely empty.
Is there an end to this frequent urination during pregnancy?
This depends on each woman because the arrangement of internal organs varies slightly from woman to woman. Some women don’t experience this phenomenon, but there are some who find this condition very common during pregnancy. For most women, frequent urination is generally likely to last all the way through to the ninth month of pregnancy, which is until you give birth.
Are there any measures to prevent frequent urination?
- Avoid drinking before bed: Don’t drink liquids right before going to bed at night.
- Avoid taking diuretics like caffeine: They will make you urinate more often.
Should I talk to my doctor about frequent urination during pregnancy?
If you always feel an urge to go to the washroom, then it is advisable to consult your doctor. The doctor might run some tests on you and see if you have contracted a UTI (urinary tract infection). Also, do notice the color of your urine so that you can be sure that you are adequately hydrated. The color of the urine should be pale yellow, not dark.
Conclusion:
Well, frequent urination is normal during pregnancy, and something you should not be worried about. However, you may consult your practitioner if you experience the urge to urinate too often.
Special thanks to Dr. Pradnya Supe Agarwal (M.S. Obstetrics & Gynecology) for the expert advice.
