Frequent urination in pregnancy: Explaining the need to pee
You’re pregnant, congratulations! Let us officially welcome you to the frequent pee-ers club. If the sudden and frequent urge to wee hasn’t hit you yet, we’re sorry to say its arrival is all but guaranteed and likely imminent.
While some say it strikes hard in the first trimester, eases off in the second before coming back with a vengeance in the third, this isn’t always the case… Some lucky ladies get it all the way through.
Why the frequent urination during pregnancy?
The sudden urge to pee in the first trimester is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, thanks to the changes in hormones in your body. Frequent urination during pregnancy and frequent urination in pregnancy are common symptoms. It can start can occur early in the first trimester due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Then as your pregnancy progresses, your body will produce more urine to eliminate waste from you and your baby.
In the second trimester, your bladder should increase to accommodate this and the constant urge might ease off a little if you’re lucky.
Then in the third trimester, as baby officially takes up all the space and places pressure on the bladder, it can restrict urine from passing between the kidney and bladder.
This can make you feel the need to go more often which is why you can then only pass a little tiny amount. Combined with the increased hormones and urine, you and the loo are a package deal day and night. Your growing baby also puts pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent urination.
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Does pregnancy affect your number twos, too?
Yep. But exactly how your number twos will be when you’re pregnant will differ for everyone. Most commonly, women will find themselves suffering from constipation during pregnancy, and so their bowel movements might be less than usual. If this is the case make sure you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre and drinking plenty of water – but if it is really bad your doctor might recommend you take something to help get things moving down there.
Some women also report the opposite during pregnancy and suffer from more frequent bowel movements or even diarrhoea. If this is an ongoing concern, speak with your doctor and make sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking plenty of water to make up for the extra fluid you’re losing.
What can you do about the constant need to wee?
Sad to say that there isn’t a whole lot you can do but grin and bear it. Practising pelvic floor exercises can help manage frequent urination, by strengthening the muscles that support the bladder. Make sure you don’t cut back on drinking fluids, as you need plenty of good-old-fashioned H2O to help you and your baby thrive (approximately 8 cups a day!)
Try and drink most of this during the day and avoid drinking too much for an hour or two before bed, this will help to reduce the number of times you have to go during the night.
Also skipping diuretics (like coffee – sorry!) can also help as they increase your need to go to the toilet.
Is there anything to worry about or look out for?
Frequent urination is for the most part one of those #joysofpregnancy that we just have to put up with, but there are a few things to look out for:
- You have pain or burning sensation when you urinate, which could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- You don’t lose the urge to go once you have gone
- You are unable to hold urine
- Your urine has a strange odour
- Your urine contains blood or is cloudy
- Fever
- Low abdominal pain or discomfort
Pregnancy-related urinary frequency and other pregnancy symptoms are common issues during this time.
If you are experiencing any or all of these contact your doctor immediately, as you may have a UTI (urinary tract infection) that will need to be treated. While not serious if treated (usually with a course of antibiotics), if left untreated a UTI can lead to kidney infection and in some cases, an increased risk of fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Pregnant women should monitor their urine flow and seek medical attention if they notice any abnormalities.
Frequently asked questions
1. What causes a low immune system during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the immune system naturally lowers to protect the baby, making you more susceptible to infections like colds and flu.
2. How can I boost my immune system while pregnant?
Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet, staying active, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress.
3. Are there specific foods that can help strengthen my immune system?
Foods like green veggies, citrus fruits, garlic, lean meats, nuts, and seeds are great for boosting immunity.
4. Should I take supplements to support my immune system during pregnancy?
Consider supplements like iron, calcium, and vitamin D, but always consult with your doctor before taking any.
Wrapping it up
Pregnancy isn’t the most glamorous chapter of anyone’s life – despite what their aesthetic photoshoot tells you.
Yes, it might involve a few extra trips to the bathroom and even popping in a maternity pad. That’s part of the deal. But your body is doing remarkable, life-changing things after all. Give it a little grace, feel your feelings, and try to have a little laugh about it every now and again.
Sources
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Frequent urination during pregnancy, March 2023
Cleveland Clinic, Pregnancy and Bladder Control, August 2023
All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pregnancy, Incontinence & Bladder Control, n.d
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