When does frequent urination start during pregnancy?

Frequent urination can start as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy. Most pregnant women get better in the middle of their pregnancy or in the second trimester, yet it often comes back in the third trimester. 

What causes frequent urination during pregnancy?

What causes frequent urination during pregnancy?

Frequent urination during pregnancy are caused by multiple reasons, such as:

  • Early in pregnancy, the hCG hormone increases blood flow to the pelvic area, resulting in frequent urination.    
  • The uterus expands as the baby grows and this puts pressure on the bladder and creates the urge to urinate more than usual.     
  • The pregnant body holds onto more fluids than usual, and as the pregnancy progresses, that extra fluid gets processed and eventually leads to more frequent urination.    
  • Since the body almost doubles blood during pregnancy, your kidneys keep working continuously to process fluid. This leads to more urine production.
  • When your baby grows, they start putting pressure on your bladder, which results in frequent urination.     
  • In some cases, towards the end of the third trimester, the baby’s head naturally drops into your pelvis, pressing right on your bladder and causing frequent urination.   

Is frequent urination during pregnancy something to worry about?

While frequent urination during pregnancy is common, it can also signal some underlying medical condition that might need attention. It’s best to consult your gynecologist if you feel you are dealing with any of the below-given problems.

Some possible conditions include:

  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Gestational diabetes

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

UTI, also called urinary tract infection, occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection in the bladder.

Pregnant women are prone to UTI because hormonal changes tend to relax the muscles in the urinary tract, slow down the flow of urine and make it easier for bacteria to grow.

Some UTI symptoms include: 

UTI symptoms during pregnancy
  • The need to pee more than usual
  • Few drops of blood while peeing
  • A sensation of burning or pain while peeing
  • Fever
  • Back pain
  • Nausea
  • Discomfort in your lower abdomen
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence

When UTI is overlooked, it can lead to serious complications like kidney infection or preterm labor. However, it can be treated easily with antibiotics prescribed by a gynecologist.    

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes

Generally, your gynecologist screens for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. This type of diabetes usually develops during pregnancy. 

Since frequent urination and increased thirst are symptoms of gestational diabetes, it’s best you seek medical attention if you experience both. 

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that usually develops during pregnancy. It’s common for this diabetes to develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. So you might notice an increase in thirst or frequently urinate, which could be possible symptoms. 

Since increased thirst and frequent urination during pregnancy is common with diabetes, it is suggested to consult with your doctor about this.

How can I reduce frequent urination during pregnancy?

How can I reduce frequent urination during my pregnancy

Constantly peeing during pregnancy is a common symptom that can be handled effectively by following  a few tips.

Tips to manage frequent urination

  • Whether you are using a western toilet or squatting down to pee, consider leaning forward a little extra to fully clear out your bladder.
  • Limit or completely avoid the intake of coffee and sodas, as they make you urinate often.
  • Although it is necessary to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water during pregnancy, it is also important to not drink large amounts of water at once. Instead, try sipping it throughout the day and complete your required water intake for the day.
  • Do pelvic floor exercises, as it helps you regain control over the urine flow and    urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, both during and after pregnancy.
  • Keep your legs elevated before bed to move the fluid from your swollen ankles and feet into your bloodstream. This lets you pee before you sleep.
  • Try  limiting the fluid intake before bed to avoid constant peeing while pregnant at night.

When to consult a doctor?

pregnancy frequent urination - when to consult a doctor

Though frequent urination during pregnancy is common, it’s best you consult your gynecologist if you have a strong urge to urinate right after urinating.

Or you deal with any symptoms of UTI. Also, remember that your urine color should be clear and pale yellow. So, contact your doctor immediately if your urine color is abnormal.

Conclusion

While frequent urination during pregnancy can be tiring, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

For most pregnant women, it can start in the first few weeks of conception, but some may only start to experience it between 10 and 13 weeks.

For the most part, it’s manageable if you make some changes to the lifestyle. 

However, if you are experiencing pain in the abdominal area, a burning sensation while peeing, or dealing with any discomfort, check in with your gynecologist.

For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.

Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans

FAQ

1. When will frequent urination start in pregnancy?

Frequency urination can start as early as the first two or three weeks of pregnancy. But usually, many pregnant women start to notice the urgency only between 10 and 13 weeks.

2. How often is frequent urination in early pregnancy?

On average, an adult passes urine 6 to 7 times a day. But some adults might also pee less than 5 times or up to 10 times a day depending upon their lifestyle habits including drinking too much or too little water.

Frequent urination during pregnancy is when the pregnant woman has the need to use the restroom more frequently than she used to before getting pregnant.

For instance, if you are someone who urinates about eight times a day pre-pregnancy, you might find yourself urinating 10 times during pregnancy.

3. When should I worry about frequent urination?

Frequent urination in pregnancy is a usual thing and you don’t have  to worry about it.

But if you are experiencing pain, a burning sensation, blood in your urine, or a strong urge to urinate right after urinating, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

4. How many times does a pregnant woman urinate in a day?

The number of times a pregnant woman urinates can vary depending on their lifestyle choices.

But on average, a pregnant woman urinates around 6 to 7 times a day or some women who usually urinate 7 times can go up to 10 times a day during pregnancy.

5. What are the symptoms of pregnancy in the first week?

While many pregnant women don’t notice any kind of symptoms in the first few weeks, some of the common signs of pregnancy are:     

  • Missed period
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Frequent urination
  • Mild Spotting 
  • Swollen and tender breastsBreasts swell and tender
  • Fatigue   
  • Constipation
  • The feeling of fullness and bloating
  • Abdomen cramps 
  • Headaches

Frequent urination pregnancy or UTI

Frequent urination is normal during pregnancy. But if you experience pain, a burning sensation while peeing, or an urgent need to pee again right after peeing, these could be signs of an UTI. Ensure to check with your gynecologist immediately.

6. Can frequent urination mean pregnancy?

Frequent urination can be one of the common symptoms of pregnancy. But frequent urination alone cannot mean pregnancy.

If you experience other pregnancy symptoms such as a missed period, and nausea along with frequent urination, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test or consult with a gynecologist. 

Frequent urination can sometimes be a sign of any underlying health conditions including UTI, and bladder issues.

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Dr. Deepthi Jammi (Director, Jammi Scans) is a qualified OB/GYN and Post-Doc in Maternal Fetal Medicine. As a pregnancy ultrasound expert, she is passionate about healthy pregnancies and works towards spreading awareness on the latest diagnostic options available for parents to choose from. Dr.Deepthi has received gold medals and awards in Fetal Medicine at international and national conferences, and has appeared in numerous prestigious regional magazines and TV interviews.

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