Frequent Urination During Pregnancy: Causes and Tips To Deal With It

Frequent urination is something most pregnant women experience. Nevertheless, it could become a concern if it is disrupting your morning routine and giving you sleepless nights
(1).

While it is bothersome, you do not have to worry about it, as frequent urination can be managed by taking some simple measures. Keep reading this MomJunction post as we tell you what causes you to urinate more frequently in pregnancy and how you can deal with it.

Causes Of Frequent Urination During Pregnancy

Knowing the reasons for frequent urination could make it easier to manage the problem.

1. Pressure on the bladder

The growing baby, along with the expanding uterus, puts pressure on your bladder and creates a strong urge to empty it. This is one of the major reasons for frequent urination.

This usually becomes pertinent between six and eight weeks of pregnancy (2). The symptom fades away during your second trimester, but you may experience it again in the third trimester (3).

2. Urinary tract infections

Pregnancy hormones increase the chance of infections in the urinary tract, which could result in strong-smelling urine, frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, less quantity of urine, or different colored urine (4).

3. Gestational diabetes

The symptoms of gestational diabetes might just be mild. A couple of mild such symptoms are increased thirst and frequent urination. Some could experience excessive hunger too (5).

4. Increased blood volume

Ideally, the blood plasma volume increases during pregnancy. Such heightened levels (almost 50% more) of fluids are to be processed by the body, which puts pressure on the bladder. Hence, this could be another reason for frequent urination during pregnancy (2).

While you cannot avoid it entirely, you can take a few steps to deal with the urination problem.

Tips To Deal With Frequent Urination During Pregnancy

Here are a few ways to reduce the number of your trips to the bathroom. The idea is to create healthy drinking habits to avoid dehydration as well.

1. Waking up at night to urinate frequently could be annoying. To prevent that, avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.

2. Avoid beverages such as coffee and tea, as these cause frequent urination. Don’t limit the fluid intake and continue to have water, juices, and decaffeinated beverages (in moderation).

3. While urinating, see that you empty your bladder completely. One of the tips is to lean forward when using the bathroom. This will help you avoid frequent trips to the washroom.

4. Sometimes, coughing, sneezing, and doing some strenuous activities cause urine leakage, even if it is just a few drops. In that case, you may use panty liners or pads to manage the issue. But don’t use them for prolonged hours.

5. In case of conditions such as gestational diabetes and urinary tract infections, take medications and follow doctor’s suggestions. If ignored, the problem could become worse.

6. Notice your body changes and note down anything that seems to be not-so-normal for you. If you think the urine color has changed, or you are experiencing pain or anything else that you haven’t experienced earlier while urinating, then you should consult your doctor.

7. You may perform kegel exercises for stronger pelvic floor muscles. It will help you in controlling your bladder and reducing the frequency of urination. Urge incontinence and stress incontinence can be managed by practicing these exercises regularly (6).

8. Some other preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, focusing on a well-balanced diet, and limiting the intake of foods and drinks that may increase water content in your body and cause frequent urination.

[ Read: Excessive Thirst During Pregnancy ]

When To Consult The Doctor?

Although it is common during pregnancy, you might want to have answers for your doubts such as when the frequent urge to pee will come down, if any medications can be taken, or if it will reduce eventually. Clear your doubts by talking to your doctor about it. There is nothing to feel shy or embarrassed about it.

The doctor would be able to diagnose the cause and give you tips on controlling the urge to urinate and manage the condition better. You should also visit your doctor in the following situations:

• If you are experiencing pain or burning sensation while urinating
• If you notice blood while urinating
• Increased urination even if you are not taking enough fluids
• In case you have a fever, chills, or your health has deteriorated in any manner

Can Frequent Urination Be A Sign Of Miscarriage?

There is no evidence suggesting that frequent urination could be a sign of miscarriage. So, if it is just the number of trips to the loo, you need not worry about it. However, if you have pain while urinating or you observe blood, then you should consult your doctor. It might be due to an infection that needs to be treated using medications.

Making a few changes in your routine can help you deal with frequent urination in pregnancy. Though it is not so comfortable, it does not harm your pregnancy in any way. So, stay relaxed and keep noticing the variety of pregnancy changes in your body. Always consult a doctor if it is making you uncomfortable or if you find the symptom to be abnormal.

Do you have any tips to face the issue? Do write to us in the comment section below.

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