Frequent Urination in Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, and Precautions | MFR Therapists / The Best of Myofascial Release

Frequent urination during pregnancy is a prevalent symptom that affects a majority of expectant mothers. This condition is characterized by an increase in how often a woman feels the need to urinate. It typically begins in the first trimester and can intensify as the pregnancy progresses, especially during the third trimester when the baby is largest. It’s not just the frequency that changes — some women may also experience an urgent sense that they need to go right away, known as urinary urgency.

The main reason for this increase in urination frequency is the growing uterus, which exerts pressure on the bladder, giving it less room to expand and causing you to feel the need to urinate more frequently. Hormones also play a significant role. Particularly, the increase in progesterone levels leads to increased blood flow to the kidneys, causing the bladder to fill up more quickly. It’s important to understand that while frequent urination is considered a normal part of pregnancy, it can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is more common during this time. If you’re experiencing pain, burning, or other unusual symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

How common is frequent urination in pregnancy?

Frequent urination is an exceedingly common symptom of pregnancy. Generally, this increase in bathroom visits can begin as early as the first trimester, around the 4th week, and may persist all the way through. The prevalence peaks again in the third trimester as the expanding uterus exerts additional pressure on the bladder. This experience, however, is not uniform across all expectant mothers — some might hardly notice an uptick in frequency, while for others, it can be significantly disruptive to daily life.

An overview of pregnancy and changes in the body

Pregnancy is a time of significant changes in the body, including hormonal changes and physical growth. One of the hormones that increases during pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is responsible for increasing blood flow to the pelvic area and kidneys. This increased blood flow makes the kidneys more efficient at filtering waste, resulting in more frequent urination. Additionally, as mentioned above, as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby it exerts pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity to store urine and leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom. Understanding these changes can help pregnant women better manage the symptoms and seek appropriate care as needed.

Importance of understanding frequent urination in pregnancy

Understanding frequent urination during pregnancy is important as it can significantly impact a woman’s daily life, disrupting sleep and causing discomfort or inconvenience. By understanding these symptoms, women can implement strategies to manage it effectively, thereby improving their quality of life during pregnancy. Additionally, understanding the cause of frequent urination can help women distinguish between normal pregnancy changes and potential health concerns, such as urinary tract infections, which require medical attention.

Treatments for frequent urination during pregnancy

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can be a valuable tool in managing frequent urination during pregnancy. Specifically, pelvic floor physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and control urination. This can improve bladder control and reduce the frequency of bathroom visits. A physical therapist may utilize manual therapy to reduce bladder irritability, exercises to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, and strategies to manage urgency.

Behavioral techniques

Behavioral techniques can also be effective in managing frequent urination during pregnancy. This may include strategies such as bladder training, where you delay urination for a few minutes when you feel the urge to go, gradually increasing the delay time to improve bladder control. Timed voiding, where you schedule bathroom visits at regular intervals, can also help to manage urinary frequency.

Dietary modifications

Dietary modifications can also play a significant role in managing frequent urination during pregnancy. While it may seem counterintuitive, staying properly hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can exacerbate urinary frequency. It’s important to find a balance in fluid intake — enough to stay hydrated without overloading the bladder. Additionally, limiting intake of bladder irritants, such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, citrus fruits, and spicy foods, can also help reduce the urge to urinate. In fact, avoiding or minimizing these potential irritants could provide noticeable relief from discomfort.

Medical intervention

In some cases, medical intervention may be needed to manage frequent urination during pregnancy. For instance, if frequent urination is accompanied by pain, burning, or fever, it could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which requires medical treatment. Additionally, if urinary frequency becomes severe or is accompanied by incontinence, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Myofascial release therapy

Myofascial release (MFR) therapy can be a beneficial treatment option for managing frequent urination during pregnancy. This therapy focuses on releasing tension in the myofascial tissues surrounding the pelvic area, which can help to alleviate pressure on the bladder. By releasing these tensions, the bladder can function more efficiently, potentially reducing the frequency of urination.

Finding a certified myofascial release therapist

MFR therapists understand the unique challenges that come with physical changes during pregnancy, such as frequent urination. At MFR Health, our network features therapists trained in the John F. Barnes’, the leading expert in the field of MFR, approach to myofascial release therapy. Working with the right MFR therapist can greatly improve your comfort and overall well-being throughout your pregnancy. Find a Therapist within our community and discover the profound benefits MFR has to offer.

Consulting with your healthcare provider

It’s vital to discuss any changes in urinary patterns with your healthcare provider, particularly during pregnancy. Frequent urination often accompanies pregnancy but can vary in its frequency and intensity. If you notice that your trips to the bathroom are unusually excessive or if you’re experiencing additional symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, or a fever, these could be signs that warrant immediate medical attention. Early intervention can be the key to addressing any underlying conditions such as urinary tract infections, which are not uncommon during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can conduct the necessary evaluations and provide guidance on the appropriate course of action.

Conclusion

Frequent urination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. It can disrupt daily activities and sleep patterns, causing discomfort and inconvenience. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to help manage frequent urination during pregnancy, including MFR therapy. Visit MFR Health to find a certified MFR therapist near you to take the next step toward your holistic well-being.