Frequent urination during pregnancy is it normal

Other symptoms may include back pain or a sharp increase in the need to urinate in a small period of time. In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of frequent urination during pregnancy, how to manage and prevent frequent urination, how long it lasts, and outlook.

Although symptoms may vary from person to person, many pregnant people notice they begin to need to urinate more frequently during their first trimester week 1 to week Some people may also experience leakage or stress urinary incontinence SUI while pregnant as the fetus grows and presses down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes urinary frequency symptoms indicate an underlying condition , such as a UTI — an infection of the urinary system. Pregnant people are at increased risk for UTIs.

If left untreated, a UTI can pose a serious health risk to a pregnant person and their developing fetus. In addition to doing a physical examination, they may ask a series of questions about how often the person is going to the restroom and how much they are urinating with each trip.

If a doctor suspects that the symptoms are not pregnancy-related, they may order one or more diagnostic tests. Frequent urination is an early sign of pregnancy and can begin as early as the first couple of weeks following conception. Most people, however, may begin to experience urgency in weeks 10 to 13 , as this is when the uterus begins to push on the bladder. After an embryo implants in the uterus, the body produces progesterone and hCG, both of which are pregnancy hormones that can lead to urgency.

Pressure is another contributing factor. As the uterus expands, it pushes down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles, increasing the urge to urinate. If the infection returns, you may need to take antibiotics for the rest of your pregnancy. All About Frequent Urination in Pregnancy. By Richard H. Schwarz, MD Updated February 26, Save Pin FB More. Frequent urination Burning and pain during urination Bloody urine A tender lower abdomen.

Schwarz, MD. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. However, it is important to stay hydrated and drink water. Frequent urination is a symptom you need to manage rather than avoid. Make sure bathrooms are nearby, so you can urinate frequently to reduce the risk of incontinence, Grundland says. Rushing to the washroom can set off our fight or flight system in our body, causing the brain to think this is a normal response.

This can make you feel like you will pee your pants, as the fight or flight response includes elimination of the bladder. Over time, it creates a pattern and can worsen to the point where a pregnant woman may experience leakage before reaching the bathroom.

And try not to strain, as it can cause the muscles to tighten and can lead to further difficulty in peeing, and may cause hemorrhoids as well. Along with having more pressure on your bladder during pregnancy, she explains our bodies also secrete a hormone called relaxin, which makes our ligaments and muscles relax—including our pelvic floor muscles.

Grundland recommends women do Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. If you have had bladder problems before pregnancy, unfortunately these are likely to worsen after the birth.

Women can also develop new bladder problems after having a baby. While you cannot do much to lessen your need to urinate frequently, you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. The best way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles is through exercise.

Exercising the muscles will also provide a sturdy support system for your bowel, uterus and bladder. Ideally, women should do pelvic floor exercises before becoming pregnant, but it's never too late. Remember to keep up your pelvic floor exercises after your baby is born too. The Continence Foundation of Australia have produced this video on how to do pelvic floor exercises:.

While, in most cases, frequent urination during pregnancy is quite normal and not a concern, in some situations it is best to see a doctor. If you feel a stinging, burning sensation or if you feel any pain when you use the toilet, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor. It might indicate you have an infection that needs to be treated promptly.

While you may continue to urinate more than usual after your baby is born , you will usually see an improvement in the first 6 months after the birth.

This is because pelvic floor nerves, tissues and muscles are beginning to recover from pregnancy and birth. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Pelvic floor exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor which come under great strain in pregnancy and childbirth. Leaking urine after childbirth is very common. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but there are ways to improve bladder weakness. The perineum — the skin between the vagina and anus - stretches during childbirth and can sometimes tear.

Learn here how to prepare the perineum for the birth.