Urination is considered frequent if the urge to it occurs more than 9 times a day. It can be up to 20 times in pregnant women. The symptom of frequent urination begins to manifest itself with an increase in hCG in the blood.
Another major cause of this symptom is an increase in progesterone levels. It relaxes the muscle tissue to keep the pregnancy going. This action of the hormone contributes to a decrease in the tone of the bladder and its more frequent emptying. Sometimes frequent urination can be a symptom of a serious infection rather than a sign of pregnancy.
When Does Frequent Urination Start in Pregnancy?
The symptom of frequent urination begins in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is typical for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. The first signs of a symptom appear with an increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin.
Frequent urination begins with an increase in the size of the uterus in the second and third trimesters. It presses on the bladder causing it to empty.
EXACT WEEKS IT MAY HAPPENÂ
The pregnant woman notices the symptom of frequent urination for the first time in the 5th week. Further, it manifests itself from the 9th to the 12th week. The symptom is noticeable in the second trimester at the 23rd and 25th weeks.
The urge to urinate in the third trimester becomes more frequent at the 29th, 31st, and 35th weeks. The symptom may be permanent if the baby is large.
When will it end?
The first noticeable increase in urination disappears after the 5th week of pregnancy. Then the symptom ceases to manifest itself clearly after the 12th week. A woman feels a constant urge to defecate during periods of strong surges in the growth of the uterus. The last bright symptoms of frequent urination should disappear after the 35th week of pregnancy.
How Does it Feel?
Frequent urination is accompanied by constant burning sensations in the lower abdomen, pressure, and the urge to empty. The amount of urine in one urination is small. I want to go to the toilet almost every 15-30 minutes. The number of entrances to the toilet per day can reach up to 20 times.
Acute
The symptom manifests itself more actively in multiple pregnancies. You may want to go to the toilet every 5-10 minutes. The woman feels a strong burning sensation and unpleasant pressure in the bladder area. Sometimes there is involuntary urination during laughter, sneezing, and coughing.
Mild
The symptom of frequent urination in a mild form is expressed by a feeling of constant fullness of the bladder. A pregnant woman runs to the toilet every 15-30 minutes or a little less often. There is no feeling of intense burning or discomfort.
Frequent urination during pregnancy should not be accompanied by itching, pain, or discoloration of urine.
Prevention methods
Prevention of frequent urination is to eliminate the main causes of this symptom. It is necessary to undergo an examination in early pregnancy, which will reveal possible problems with the health of the excretory system. This is the main thing that needs to be done as a preventive measure. Consider the most effective methods of prevention:
Get regular check-ups
It is better to immediately take a urine test if you notice an unpleasant symptom. It is much easier to prevent infectious diseases of the genitourinary system in the early stages. Go to the gynecologist at least 1 time a month for prevention. Visit a urologist or nephrologist if necessary.
Observe intimate hygiene
Shower every day using gentle products. Do not abuse soap and gels with a chemical composition. You can discuss the hygiene products you use with your pregnancy doctor. Do not wear underwear made from synthetic fabrics. Give preference to cotton products of the correct cut.
Don’t get cold
Wear warm clothes during the cold season. Cover your lower back. Do not sit in drafts and cold surfaces. Keep your feet warm and dry. Try not to spend a long time in cold waters, even in summer. These measures will help to avoid inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.
Why Frequent Urination happens in Pregnancy?
The primary reason for the onset of increased urination is associated with an increase in hCG in the blood. Its high concentration stimulates the production of progesterone, which relaxes the muscular organs, including the bladder. Its tone decreases and this causes frequent emptying.
Another reason for the frequent urge to have bowel movements is increased blood circulation in the pelvic area. The load on all organs and systems of a woman is growing. The kidneys begin to function for two in the first weeks of pregnancy. This increases the amount of urine produced.
Frequent urination at a later date is a consequence of the restructuring of the internal organs and an increase in uterine pressure. The bladder is no longer able to fill. Not a typical and not healthy cause of frequent urge to urinate in the presence of infectious diseases: cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis.
Remedies
You can protect yourself from the already existing frequent urination by adjusting the drinking regimen, gentle medications, proper nutrition, and hygiene measures. Prevention is the most effective. The problem can be reduced as much as possible if it already exists. Here is an example of the most obvious means of helping to reduce frequent urination during pregnancy:
Drinking schedule
A pregnant woman needs to drink up to 2 liters of pure water per day. This rate is best distributed to the maximum in the first half of the day. Then the evening urge to go to the toilet will not be painful for you. It is better not to drink a lot of liquid before going to bed.
Remove caffeine and other provocative drinks
Coffee, cola, soda, and juices strongly stimulate the kidneys. Urine is excreted much more than usual. It is best to remove these drinks from your list during the symptomatic period to reduce the urge to urinate symptom.
Protected sex
Use contraceptives during intercourse during pregnancy. This greatly reduces the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases. Infections cause increased urine production. This complicates the course of pregnancy and leads to unpleasant symptoms during urination.
WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR?
The appearance of suspicious negative symptoms during urination is the reason for visiting a doctor. There should be no cutting pains in the genitourinary tract, burning and itching when emptying, blood streaks in the urine, or abnormal color.
It is worth consulting a doctor if you involuntarily defecate, especially at night. Frequent urination accompanied by fever and pain requires immediate medical attention.
What Not to Do
It is not recommended to independently select any drugs to normalize the situation with frequent urination. This symptom is natural during pregnancy and does not always require treatment. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate. What exactly should not be done with increased urination during pregnancy:
Restrain the urge
Retention of urine is extremely harmful to the health of the excretory system. This provokes inflammation and the development of infectious diseases. Empty your bladder immediately.
Drink decoctions and alcoholic tinctures of herbs
This can cause major health problems and harm the child. The intake of drugs and tinctures should be agreed upon with the doctor.
Eat a lot of salty, spicy, and sweet foods
Do not abuse salt, sugar, or caffeinated drinks. Eat fewer fruits that stimulate urine production: citrus fruits, watermelons, and grapes.
