Many pregnant women wonder if it is normal for them to feel like urinating every little time. And it is that, often, the frequency with which the woman has to go to the bathroom increases during pregnancy.
It is especially common during the first and third trimester that the pregnant woman has to go frequently to the bathroom and it is a normal phenomenon. Other women, on the other hand, will not notice differences in this regard.
The initial increase in the frequency of urination may be the fact that the volume of fluids has increased in the woman's body. The kidneys work more effectively to more quickly eliminate waste that the body does not need.
It can also influence the size of the uterus, which is in the pelvis and presses the bladder, responsible for the highest frequency of urination: it has to be emptied more often. From the fourth month or so, when the uterus rises to the abdominal wall, many women may notice relief in this regard. But not for much longer.
In the final stretch of pregnancy the uterus and the growing fetus descend and press the bladder again, so we will return to the bathroom more frequently. Also involuntary losses of urine are common these weeks, so we can protect ourselves with a small compress or salva-slip.
To control these losses and prevent problems in the postpartum, remember that you should already be performing Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor: they will come in handy.
Also do not wait for the last minute to go to the toilet, it is better to go to the first symptom that we need to evacuate and not make the bladder end with even more pressure, an uncomfortable feeling at any stage of life, but more during pregnancy (and that comes faster).
In spite of everything, we need good hydration
We should not limit fluid intake during pregnancy to try to go to the bathroom less. Good hydration is very important for your health and that of your baby. We may even be preventing urinary tract infections with frequent emptying.
The only concession we can make in this regard is when it comes to bedtime, if the pregnant woman has sleep problems and the continuous awakening is affecting her and causing insomnia or fatigue. Then, the woman could reduce the consumption of liquids at dinner time and go to the bathroom immediately before bedtime.
To avoid thirst during the night, stay well hydrated throughout the day, also with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
At the end of pregnancy, when the volume of the belly is considerable, lean forward in the toilet to press and remove all urine from the bladder. In this way we managed to extend the next visit to the bathroom a bit.
On the other hand, we remember that in each woman the disposition of the internal organs varies slightly, which can cause some to feel a greater need throughout the pregnancy and others do not notice any change. Especially if the woman urinated frequently before pregnancy, the change is less likely to be noticeable.
When we have to worry and go to the doctor is if frequent urination is accompanied by painful urination, itching or burning (and the evacuated fluid is scarce every time), since it could be a urine infection, which has to be controlled and cured .
In all other cases, it is totally normal to go to the bathroom more often when you are pregnant and it doesn't worry you. Keep drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, for a healthy pregnancy.
Photos | Thinkstock On Babies and more | Weak bladder and frequent urination during pregnancy, Incontinence in the mother
