Urinating a lot during pregnancy: Causes and remedies

Many pregnant women complain about urinating a lot during pregnancy, interrupting work, sleep makes them feel tired and uncomfortable. So what is the cause of this situation, how to overcome? 

Repeated urination during pregnancy can be considered an early sign of pregnancy . During the first few weeks of pregnancy, about 5 to 20 weeks, the reason pregnant women urinate a lot during pregnancy is related to some hormonal changes and increased blood flow that occurs in the body.

In addition, the bladder that is pinched by the uterus leads to a decrease in the capacity of urine to hold, which also makes pregnant women need to urinate more than before. With aFamilyToday Health, find out the reasons why you urinate a lot during pregnancy and how to effectively and safely overcome this condition.

The cause of frequent urination during pregnancy

During the first trimester, the main reasons for frequent urination during pregnancy are hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus that puts pressure on the bladder.

During the second trimester: The uterine size is constantly increasing, but the pelvic support helps reduce the pressure on the bladder, so in many people the need to urinate during pregnancy tends to decrease.

During the third trimester: During this period, the fetus begins to turn its head in preparation for birth, putting pressure on the bladder which increases the frequency of urination.

Here are some causes of frequent urination during pregnancy:

1. Endocrine changes

The hCG hormone that is active during pregnancy is one of the official reasons for the urge to urinate more during pregnancy. This hormone increases blood flow towards the pelvic area, uterus and kidneys. These are the causes of a compressed bladder that makes you need to urinate more often.

2. Pressure is exerted on the bladder

When not pregnant, a woman's bladder can hold a large amount of urine (about 400-500ml). During the first trimester of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and begins to press on the bladder, preventing the organ to hold urine much and for long. This promotes the need to urinate in pregnant women.

3. Excess liquid amount

Did you know that during the entire pregnancy, your blood volume increases and increases by nearly 50% compared to before conception? As a result, the kidneys have to work harder to filter out waste, the more excess fluid, and the increased amount of urine that makes you want to urinate more.

4. Urinary tract or bladder infection

An untreated urinary tract infection or bladder infection can cause serious problems. Frequent urination is one of them. Other symptoms include burning sensation when urinating, bloody urine, painful urination ... More serious, these infections can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.

Please read the article Why there is a natural miscarriage? to update more useful information.

Tips to help reduce urination a lot during pregnancy

1. Sitting leaned forward while urinating

Leaning forward while urinating is to put pressure on the bladder. This helps the bladder be able to flush the urine out, allowing the time between urination to be longer.

2. Avoid drinks with diuretic properties

Pregnant women should avoid beverages with diuretic properties such as tea, coffee, beverages such as soda ...

3. Don't drink too much water before going to bed

You need to cut back on your fluid intake before bed, but still make sure you stay hydrated. According to the American Institute of Medicine, pregnant women should drink 8-10 glasses of water or other beverages (milk, juice) per day. This helps the body get the necessary amount of water for its activities.

You can tell if you are drinking enough fluids by observing the color of your urine. Clear or light yellow urine means you are drinking enough water. Dark yellow or cloudy urine is a sign that your body needs more water than you are drinking each day.

4. Do the Kegel exercise

Doing Kegel exercises strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, helps reduce incontinence due to stress and helps ease postpartum recovery. Interestingly, these exercises can be done at any time, as long as you have time to do them. Do about 3 times / day, with 10-20 contractions about 10 seconds. You should do Kegel exercises early in pregnancy and maintain after giving birth to get more benefits.

Read more about What is Kegel Exercises? Exercises to help sublimate love. 

5. Pee before going to bed

Try to urinate before you go to bed. One thing to note is that the distance from the bed to the toilet must be safe, without obstructions, the light switch is placed in a convenient position to ensure safety.

6. Urinate as soon as you need to 

Urinate as soon as you feel the urge to urinate. The reason is that repetition of urination can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence. Therefore, if you have to wait in line to urinate at a public toilet, do not hesitate to skillfully ask someone to make room for you.

7. Use tampons 

If you leak urine from coughing, sneezing, or doing vigorous exercise, you should wear tampons daily.

When should you see a doctor?

If you've followed the tips above and your pregnancy has not improved repeatedly, or you have burning, burning or any other health problems, see your doctor early.

Your doctor may recommend some diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, urine test, bladder stress test, cystoscopy ...

A few days after birth, the need to urinate frequently will not decrease. The reason is that at this point, your body is trying to get rid of the excess fluids produced during pregnancy. But if you urinate a lot, you should see your doctor to be examined and diagnosed. In addition, losing weight after giving birth can also help reduce the urge to urinate a lot. However, you should keep in mind that losing weight after giving birth takes a long time.

Refer to effective postpartum weight loss through the article 4 tips to remember if you want to lose weight fast after giving birth.