Frequent Urination in Pregnancy: What is Normal vs. When to Worry

Frequent Urination is when you need to pee more than usual. It can happen during pregnancy because of weak pelvic floor muscles. Peeing constantly during pregnancy is a common problem. Frequent Urination is also known as an overactive bladder.

The pelvic floor muscles support organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Pelvic floor muscles weaken because of hormonal changes and the weight of the developing baby.

Frequent Peeing and Pregnancy

Some pregnant women experience mild changes during pregnancy, while on the other hand, some women are always running to the loo. Frequent peeing is a common sign of pregnancy because of weak pelvic muscles. During pregnancy, it is normal to go to the restroom around 10 times a day. Moreover, you also need to stay well-hydrated during pregnancy. Try to reduce water intake during the night. Therefore, this adds to the urination.

Also Read – How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy?

Frequent Peeing Due to UTIs or Infections

There are many reasons why a pregnant person could experience frequent urination. It could be due to UTIs and infections. There is a high chance of developing UTIs and infections during pregnancy. Because of pressure on your bladder, urine cannot flow. Due to this, bacteria can multiply and cause infection.

Pregnant people who have a fever or experience pain while peeing should see a doctor immediately, as it could be an infection. It is crucial to treat a UTI as soon as possible because it can be dangerous to the developing fetus. Sometimes, pregnant people might urinate pink blood.

A healthcare professional can diagnose the UTI based on the symptoms being experienced. If the doctor thinks that it is not related to pregnancy, you might be required to do a few tests, which will be prescribed by the doctor.  There are two tests which is used to examine UTIs: Urinalysis and Urine culture.

Finding blood or experiencing pain while peeing is a concern and should not be taken lightly. Moreover, other symptoms will help you to understand the reason behind peeing constantly. Some people ponder if frequent peeing is a sign of pregnancy, not always, but it is good to take a test, as it could be due to a weak pelvis. UTIs and infections also cause frequent urination, but it does not mean you are pregnant. Confirm it with a healthcare professional.

Is Frequent Peeing a sign of early pregnancy?

Although everyone experiences different symptoms. Frequent peeing is an early symptom of pregnancy and can start after conception.

Pregnant people notice that they start urinating more during the first trimester. Moreover, some women also experience leakage, which is known as stress urinary incontinence. It is because as the fetus grows, it puts pressure on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles.

After an embryo is implanted in the uterus. Along with the embryo and placenta, the body starts producing progesterone and hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin). HCG is produced by the placenta; it is also known as the pregnancy hormone.

Kegel Exercises:

To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, pregnant women can perform Kegel exercises, which help in strengthening the urethra and supporting the bladder. Kegel exercises are safe to perform while being pregnant. There are many benefits of practicing kegel exercises, not only help with strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, but also urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, it can also help with childbirth delivery and bladder control.

Also Read – Few exercises that may help you deal with stress during pregnancy

Urinary incontinence

Frequent peeing in pregnancy can also be related to incontinence, which is a serious problem as it is involuntary and can not be controlled. It is important to treat it as it can be difficult to go about your day. This is another reason to be concerned, as it becomes difficult to perform daily activities and can cause discomfort.

Constantly peeing is common at every stage in pregnancy. As the fetus grows and becomes bigger, more pressure falls on the pelvic floor.

After giving birth, you might still urinate more than usual as it takes some time for the pelvic floor to go back to its normal setting. You might leak when you cough or sneeze.  Some people take a longer period of time to recover.

Frequent peeing is an early sign of pregnancy. UTIs and infections can also cause frequent peeing. Peeing constantly during pregnancy can cause discomfort and can impact daily life. It happens because there is a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor exercises. If you experience any pain or notice blood or any unusual discharge, then it is crucial to get it treated, as it can affect the developing fetus. To strengthen the pelvic floor, you can perform Kegel exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why do pelvic floor muscles weaken?

Pelvic floor muscles weaken because of hormonal changes and because of the weight of the developing fetus.

Q. What are the two tests that are used to treat UTIs?

Urinalysis and Urine culture are the two tests done to examine UTIs. UTIs should be treated as soon as possible.

Q. What is HCG?

HCG ( Human chorionic gonadotropin) is a pregnancy hormone that helps to detect if you are pregnant. It helps to sustain the fetus and prevent period cycles.

Q. When should you see a doctor?

If you experience pain while peeing or can not control Urination. Then it is better to consult a doctor so that it can be treated.