Most pregnant women have probably experienced needing to urinate much more often than before they became pregnant. For some, the increased urge to urinate can even be one of the first signs of pregnancy.
It is a rather annoying part of pregnancy, but it is completely normal.
Why do you have to urinate more when you are pregnant?
The increased urination during pregnancy is due to several factors. In the first weeks, the bladder becomes more sensitive because pregnancy hormones increase blood flow in the pelvis.
The body's total blood volume also increases by over a liter during pregnancy, which creates an increased excretion of urine through the kidneys, resulting in more trips to the bathroom.
As you progress further into the pregnancy, both the uterus and the baby grow, putting greater and greater pressure on the bladder. You may also experience the baby kicking or pressing on the bladder. This increases the urge to urinate and can also make it difficult to hold it when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
What risks are associated with frequent urination during pregnancy?
In most cases, frequent urination is just a completely normal pregnancy symptom with no associated risks.
Nevertheless, it is good to be aware that the increased urge to urinate can, in some cases, be a sign of:
- Urinary tract infection/cystitis
- Gestational diabetes (GDM)
If you think you have any of the above, you should talk to your midwife or doctor. They can test your urine.
What can I do to reduce the urge to urinate?
It might be a good idea to cut down on beverages that are particularly diuretic. This includes coffee, tea, and cola, as these have a high caffeine content.
When you are in the bathroom, it is also important that you completely empty your bladder. You can do this by standing up when you feel you have finished urinating, but then sitting back down on the toilet to see if you can urinate a little more. Another way to do this might be to sit sideways on the toilet, facing the wall. In this position, you can more easily empty your bladder completely.
If it is especially at night that you are troubled by needing to urinate multiple times, you can try to limit your fluid intake in the evening. Of course, you still need to ensure you get enough fluids, but try to drink more during the day so you can empty your bladder before going to bed.
