Frequent urination during pregnancy

What is frequent urination during pregnancy?

Frequent urination is one of the most common and earliest symptoms of pregnancy. It begins in the first few weeks of the first trimester and, for most women, continues late into pregnancy.

What are its main associated signs and symptoms?

• The tendency to urinate frequently during pregnancy differs from one woman to another. Some expectant mothers may experience frequent bouts of urination throughout their pregnancy, while some may not feel it at all.
• The tendency may reduce during the second trimester, only to increase in the third trimester due to the increased pressure of the growing baby on the bladder.
• Frequent urination in pregnant women is also associated with urinary tract infection (UTI), which is a common infection in expectant mothers.

What are the main causes?

• As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing foetus, it exerts pressure on the urinary bladder, leading to increased bouts of urination in pregnant women.
• During pregnancy, there are drastic hormonal changes in the body, which also affect the kidney and bladder and result in frequent urination.
• As the blood volume in the body increases, the kidneys react by producing more fluids. This means that there is more volume in the bladder and the urge to empty it is more frequent.
• This symptom is also associated with pregnancy-induced diabetes, otherwise called gestational diabetes.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

This is generally a normal symptom during pregnancy. However, if you experience any pain, bleeding or change in the colour of the urine, it is best to inform your doctor.

• If necessary, a blood investigation, urine investigation and other tests may be advised.
• If you also experience nausea, gestational diabetes must be ruled out.

Since it is a normal phenomenon, frequent urination requires no treatment in the absence of other symptoms.

• If there is an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy.
• To control frequent urination, avoid drinks containing caffeine.
• Pelvic exercises help to gain control of the bladder muscles during pregnancy.

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