Many pregnant mothers, especially first-time mothers, usually have great concern when they experience frequent urination. Frequent urination is one of the most common and early symptoms of pregnancy. Frequent urination can be annoying, but it shouldn’t worry you. In most cases, it’s normal. However, it can also be as a result of a problem such as an infection. Read on to understand more about frequent urination during pregnancy, when does it start, causes, and home remedies.
Frequent Urination During Pregnancy When does it start
In most cases, frequent urination mainly is experienced in the first and the third trimester. Doctors claim that it may change due to a number of factors including hormone levels and increased body fluids.
You will experience frequent urination as early as the first 2-3 weeks of the pregnancy. Mostly, it is noticed during the 10-13th week when your uterus starts exerting pressure on the bladder. This is according to G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, who is an ob-gyn in Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center located Fountain Valley, California.
The urge to urinate regularly will reduce during the 2nd trimester. At this stage, the uterus goes past the pelvis, thereby relieving pressure on the bladder. The urge will, however, come back around the 30th week. Here, the baby’s head presses against the bladder.
Causes of Frequent Urination During Pregnancy
In case you experience frequent urination during pregnancy, below are some factors to blame.
Increased Blood in the body
The urge to pee a lot can be caused by an increased amount of blood in the body. In order to process the increased blood flow, your kidneys must produce additional fluids. This extra fluid usually ends up in the bladder. Therefore, this might be the most cause of the frequent urination. In fact, during pregnancy, body fluids increase twice as compared to normal levels.
According to research, the blood flow towards the kidney increases by approximately 35-60%. This results in about 25% more urine production especially immediately after conception. Frequent urination during third pregnancy trimester will be experienced later. However, frequent urination pregnancy during the second trimester is not common.
Hormones
Another primary cause of increased urination is your hormones. HCG hormone is responsible for manipulating even some of the simplest changes in your body. For instance, causes increased blood flow towards the kidneys and the pelvic region. Since your body is getting rid of waste products quickly, it will expel it through the urinary tract.
Pressure On The Bladder
Pressure on the bladder is another common cause of increased urination in pregnant mothers. This is experienced during the last 3 months to delivery. As the baby to grow bigger, the baby tends to move down further into the pelvis. Your uterus will then begin to expand as the baby moves towards the bladder. As the baby grows, it will exert pressure on your bladder. This limits the duration of your bladder can last before it is emptied.
Urinary Tract Infection
It’s rare but possible that frequent urination can be as a result of bladder infection and if left untreated for long, it can cause serious complications. Urinary Tract Infection can also present other symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating, blood spots in the urine, and pain at the end of urination.
Untreated urinary infection can result in kidney infection resulting in high temperatures, severe back pain, and vomiting. Urinary infection can be treated with antibiotics and hospitalising for severe cases.
[Read – Abdominal Pain and Frequent Urination in Female]
Home Remedies For Frequent Urination During Pregnancy
There are simple home remedies and tips that you can use for frequent urination during pregnancy.
Cut Down Fluids Before Bed
It’s really hectic to keep on waking up in the midnight to go to the loo. Reducing the number of fluids you drink especially a few hours before bed is a good way to make sure that you won’t keep on visiting the toilet at night.
It’s important, however, that you drink enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Hydration during pregnancy is important since dehydration can cause serious complications to the body. Make sure that you drink about eight glasses of water throughout the day. In case you observe dark or yellow urine, then you are not drinking enough water. Frequent urination during pregnancy at night can, therefore, be reduced by cutting down fluids before bed.
Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea have diuretic effects and can cause increased urine production and the urge to visit the toilet.
Do Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are important since they can help you control over your urethra. Try to do this exercise about three times per day with a 10-20 contraction each time for 10 seconds.
Wear A Pad
A pad can be necessary especially if you are experiencing a cough or sneeze. Also, activities such as lifting heavy objects, coughing, and sneezing can sometimes cause leakage. This can be embarrassing especially if you are far from home. Most women use urinary incontinence pads.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which contain anti-inflammatory properties. According to a recent, pumpkin seed oil can help improve abnormal urinary function and also reduce OAB symptoms.
Kohki Tea
Kohki tea is extracted from a specific subtropical plant from Southern China. It is high in antioxidants, and they offer protective effects on the bladder.
Cucumbers
Another common home remedy for frequent urination is a cucumber. Cucumbers are high in water and therefore are useful in beauty and health issues. You can substitute it with fluids that are taken on a regular basis such as water.
Other Common Bladder Friendly Fluids Include
- Plain Water
- Celery Seed Water
- Soy Milk
- Barley Water
- Caffeine Free Teas like fruit teas
- Less Acidic Fruit Juices like apple or pear
- Cranberry Juice
- Diluted Squash
- Foods High in Fiber. Such as beans, vegetables, and whole-wheat bread can also help reduce frequent urination to the toilet
Other Foods that can Increase The Urge to Urinate Include
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Soda
- Citrus Fruits
- Coffee
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Spicy Foods
- Tomato Based Foods
Frequent urination isn’t complicated and is usually treated easily. Just follow the tips and remedies discussed above for relief. It’s also important to consult with your doctor before deciding on a home remedy to ensure both the baby’s health and yours.
If the symptoms are extreme and prolong, seek immediate medical attention. Other symptoms such as decreased urination during pregnancy should not be ignored. It could be as a result of dehydration or other serious complications. It’s always best to stay safe.
Medically Reviewed By
Catherine is a dedicated freelance health and science writer committed to excellence and professionalism. She specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition, immune-related diseases, surgery, and cancer.
