If you are pregnant, you will notice a lot of changes taking place in your body. One of these changes could be a need to go to the loo often and pee. This can be disruptive to your lifestyle and most especially at night. Though it can be annoying, there are a few things you need to do and know on how to deal with frequent urination during pregnancy.
Top causes for frequent urination
The need to pee and often is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. It usually starts around the 4th or 5th week of a pregnancy. The good thing is that the pressure on the bladder is relieved during the second trimester when the uterus rises into the abdominal cavity. For most women, this problem recurs when are they are closer to delivering – from the 35th week onwards.
What are some of the common causes for frequent peeing during pregnancy?
- Hormonal changes: One of the reasons is the presence of the hCG hormone which is high during pregnancy and increased blood flow to the pelvic region. While high levels of this hormone enhance sexual pleasure while pregnant, it increases blood flow to kidneys as well. This means that a woman will experience frequent urges to go to the bathroom.
- Pressure on the bladder: As the uterus drops down in the late 3rd trimester to delivery the baby, the pressure on the bladder also increases the need to go to the bathroom often.
- UTIs: The chance of contracting urinary tract infections is also high during pregnancy due to the presence of pregnancy related hormones. If your urine smells strong and you experience a burning sensation while peeing, talk to your doctor and get immediate medical help.
- Gestational diabetes: Some women develop diabetes during their pregnancy. Some symptoms to watch for and increased thirst, feeling very hungry and peeing frequently. Talk to your physician to monitor the condition for the duration and after the pregnancy.
Tips on dealing with this issue during pregnancy
Here are some tips on dealing with the problem of peeing frequently and trips to the bathroom while you are out and about. The basic idea is to create healthy habits and to avoid getting dehydrated.
- Since it is a nuisance to wake up often during the night to pee, try to reduce the amount of fluid intake right before going to bed.
- Try to cut down or completely avoid tea and coffee as these not only make you want to make more trips to the bathroom, but also dehydrate. Keep up fluid intake and drink lots of juice and water and decaf drinks (moderate amounts).
- If you must pee, make sure that your bladder is completely emptied out. One way to do this is to lean forward to ensure that the bladder is empty. This will ensure that you cut down on the number of trips to the bathroom.
- It pays to know that sneezing and coughing lead to leakage, more so in the last trimester. Using panty liners and/or pads can help in managing the issue but avoid use for extended hours.
- If you are dealing with gestational diabetes or a UTI, take medications prescribed by your doctor and follow other suggestions prescribed. If these issues are ignored, you may end up dealing with more serious issues.
- Keep a close eye on any bodily changes and whatever seems to be abnormal. Consult your doctor immediately and get timely help.
- Most doctors recommend doing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. These exercises help with bladder control and the urgency and frequency in peeing.
- Other things you can do is to maintain a good weight and eat balanced meals. Reducing the intake of food and beverages which impact the water content in your body will be helpful.
Though this is a fairly common problem faced by pregnant women, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor and get the help you need. There is no need to be embarrassed about any health-related issue.
