Frequent Urination in Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, but especially during early and late pregnancy, you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often than you used to. The reason for this is that during the first trimester, your growing uterus and developing baby press against your bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. This will happen again near the end of pregnancy, when the baby has dropped in preparation for being born. Hormones and the increased volume of your circulation also affect the bladder control and the potential for urinary tract infections.

During pregnancy, frequent urination is completely normal. There's nothing you can really do about it, so accept it and plan accordingly! Each time you use the toilet, try to empty your bladder as completely as you possibly can.

Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Reducing your fluid intake does not solve the problem of needing to urinate often, and you need fluids to keep your kidneys functioning well.

If your urine burns or stings, you may have a urinary tract infection. Consult your doctor without delay because such infections only get worse if left untreated. Continue to drink plenty of fluids. Cranberry juice may help as well.

Cotton underpants, or at least those with a cotton crotch, are better than those made from synthetic fabrics. Avoid pants or pantyhose that fit tightly against the crotch.

When you empty your bladder, you may find it soothing to rinse yourself with warm water. To minimize the chance of infection, always wipe from front to back.

Remember that pregnancies only last for a little while, and that your body and bladder habits will be back to normal again soon!