Whether it is your first time or second time, pregnancy will take you through a roller coaster ride of emotions, hormone imbalances, and physical changes. It is not going to be a cakewalk. Frequent urination is an annoying experience of the pregnancy. It starts in the first trimester of the pregnancy. Frequent visits to the washroom in the middle of the right disturbs the sleep. In this article, we will learn about the ways to deal with frequent urination during pregnancy.
What is Frequent Urination in Pregnancy?
Frequent urination is defined as the increase in the frequency of urination compared to the normal rate. Where a normal woman goes to washroom six times a day, a pregnant woman may require to use it ten to twelve times a day.
When does a pregnant woman experiences frequent urination?
Frequent urination is seen as a common sign of pregnancy that begins in the 1st trimester, around the fourth week of pregnancy.
What are the reasons responsible for frequent urination?
Frequent urination can be due to several reasons. The major reason behind it is the pregnancy hormone hCG. This hormone increases the rate of flow of blood to the pelvic area. It also increases flow of blood to your kidneys. This makes your kidneys become capable at the time of pregnancy. As they start to work efficiently, your body will eliminate waste products quite fast.
Second reason for frequent urination is the enlarged uterus that exerts pressure on the bladder. The result is that your body has less space to store urine.
The third reason is that by the end of the 3rd trimester, when the baby is going to deliver, his head turns towards the pelvis. This in turn exerts pressure on the bladder. This implies that you will feel more urge to urinate.
Treatment for frequent urination
Frequent urination and pregnancy go hand in hand. There is no method to completely cure it. However, you can reduce your trips to washroom by learning the right way to urinate. Lean forward while urinating as it will help your bladder to empty completely. This will need you lesser urge to urinate.
Here are a few things that you need to do at this time to get relief from this condition.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important when your body is losing a lot of fluid every day. Dehydration can cause urinary infection. To prevent it, you need to drink 8 glasses of water or healthy fluids daily.
Don’t consume caffeine
Caffeine has a tendency to remove water from the body. So, drinking caffeine can increase your urge to urinate, and dehydrate your body. So, you need to stop consuming all caffeine rich drinks such as coffee, soda and tea during pregnancy. You can choose from healthy caffeine free beverage options.
Watch your weight
Another thing that you keep in mind is to manage your weight. If you become overweight, then it will unnecessarily put more pressure on your bladder.
Avoid constipation
Constipation is one of the key problems faced by pregnant woman. You should avoid it from happening. The stool that stays in the bowel takes up space in the abdomen. This adds pressure on the bladder. The right strategy to deal with it is by exercising, eating fiber rich food, whole grains, fruits, and enough fluids.
Prevent UTI
To avoid any infection, you need to completely empty your bladder. Keep the perineal region clean. Wipe the area from front to back. This will help in preventing the possibilities of urinary infection.
Take good rest
Frequent urination may disturb your sleep. Due to poor sleep, it can cause fatigue. It is important to take a nap, sit and rest during the day.
When should you check with a doctor?
Too frequent or uncontrolled urinary frequency can be a signal for bladder infection or urinary tract infection. If you find that even after performing these measures, your problem is persistent, worsening or severe, then you must get it checked by your doctor.
There can be a possibility of presence of bacteria in your urine. It can cause you signs such as fever, burning sensation, pain, passing of blood while urination. Your doctor may run a test or prescribe you medication or any other treatment to deal with the situation.
Also read: Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy: Causes And Ways To Get Relief
Conclusion
Frequent urination is one of the unavoidable issues in pregnancy. Learning the right ways to urinate, and following the above tips will lessen the trouble caused by this problem.