Within a week of conception, levels of the hormone progesterone increase and the embryo begins to secrete the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG. The muscles of the bladder and the uterine wall are relaxed, while blood flow to the pelvic area increases.
This activity results in congestion among the pelvic organs, which irritates the bladder. The brain recognizes these signals as a desire to pass urine, or micturition, even if there is very little urine in the bladder.
As your pregnancy progresses through the first trimester, more water is retained, which needs to be eliminated from the system. The uterus also begins to grow, stretching the bladder, which is resting on top of it. As the bladder stretches, the brain again perceives these signals as a desire to urinate.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
During the second trimester of your pregnancy you may not need to urinate so frequently. But after about week thirty two, your baby will start putting on weight and as it grows, pressure will be placed on the bladder, again increasing your need to urinate.
Although you may not be able to eliminate the desire to urinate, you can strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floorThe body wall consisting of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles that is stretched across the pelvic cavity, supporting the abdominal contents, the uterus and is pierced by the anal canal, urethra and vagina.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. This will give you better control of your bladder both during pregnancy and postpartum.
To strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floorThe body wall consisting of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles that is stretched across the pelvic cavity, supporting the abdominal contents, the uterus and is pierced by the anal canal, urethra and vagina.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., practice Kegel exercises in which you contract and release the muscles around your vagina. This action feels like you are stopping the flow of urine and releasing it, and indeed you can practice while sitting on the toilet. There are plenty of opportunities to practice such as while watching television, while stopped at a traffic signal, or standing in line at the grocery store. Practice several sets of ten or twenty repetitions a day.
Many pregnant women suffer embarrassing urine leaks while laughing, sneezing or coughing. Some are affected is they perform activities such as running or jumping. This common and awkward situation is caused by the pressure of the uterus on the bladder during pregnancy: a condition called stress incontinence.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
Although stress incontinence will disappear within a few months of your baby's delivery, you can reduce the effects of the condition by practicing Kegel exercises during your pregnancy. If the problem persists you may decide to wear a sanitary pad or liner.
Although an increased urge to urinate is common in pregnancy, it may also indicate the presence of a urinary tract infectionA bacterial infection of one or more structures in the urinary tract including the kidneys and bladder. The most common gramnegative bacteria include Escherichia coli, or a species of Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas or Enterobacter.
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. They are characterized by an increased need to urinate, a burning sensation and in severe cases blood and pus in the urine.
Treatment includes antibacterials, analgesics, and urinary antiseptic medications. Urinary tract infections include cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis. Abbreviated to UTI.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. such as cystitis or pyelonephritis. These infections commonly infect pregnant women and you should look out for the presence of blood in the urine and a painful burning sensation when you urinate.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
