Bladder Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a joyous time. However, it causes changes to the body, one of which can affect the bladder. Pregnancy can have a person making multiple trips to the bathroom or not even making it there at all. Before panicking, find out the potential bladder problems during pregnancy, as well as ways to find relief or treatment and things to avoid.
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Urinary Tract Infections
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Urinary tract infections (UTI) can sometimes occur in pregnancy, and it's best to catch the infection early. When the result of the intiial test is normal, the doctor may or may not screen again. For a positive test result, the doctor will continue screening at three-month intervals and may treat the UTI with a mild antibiotic, like ampicillin. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria travels up the urethra. Symptoms of a UTI include increased frequency of urination, burning, pain, and cloudy urine or urine with a bad odor.
Overactive Bladder
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One of the bladder problems during pregnancy is having an overactive bladder. An overactive bladder means there is an increased urge to urinate. This occurs as the fetus grows in the uterus, putting pressure on the bladder and reducing the amount of liquid the bladder can hold at one time.
A pregnant woman can also get thirstier because more blood is circulating throughout the body to help the placenta grow. Being thirsty translates into consuming more liquids, which of course then leads to more urine output. Overactive bladder symptoms can increase as the pregnancy progresses. It is even possible to have to urinate twice per hour in the third trimester.
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Stress Incontinence
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Stress incontinence is another bladder problem that may happen during pregnancy. It occurs when a little bit of urine leaks out, usually after a sneeze, a cough, or during a laugh or exercise. According to Parents.com, half of all women who go through pregnancy experience stress incontinence, which can occur at any time during the pregnancy.
It is possible, although rare, to develop stress incontinence that occurs when a large amount of urine leaks out. The muscles stretch during pregnancy, making it harder for the bladder muscles to hold in the liquid.
Kegel exercises can offer relief from stress incontinence. Kegels are done by contracting the pelvic floor muscles (the ones used to hold in urine). This strengthens the muscles and can prevent or diminish leakage. Flex the muscles 30 to 60 times daily, 15 to 30 seconds each. In order to prevent a UTI, perform the kegels on an empty bladder; otherwise, bacteria might get pushed up into the urethra.
The good news is that after giving birth, problems should dissipate, anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months later, but usually sooner rather than later.
Things to Avoid
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In order to prevent irritating an overactive bladder, there are some foods and drinks that a pregnant woman can benefit from avoiding. Coffee, tea and chocolate sometimes contain caffeine, which increases urinary output. Acidic fruits and juices, such as cranberry, orange and lemon, in addition to sauces containing tomato, will also cause more urine output due to the fact that they work similar to a diuretic.
Other Things to Avoid
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To decrease the risk of developing a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, urinate after intercourse to help rinse away any bacteria before it can go up the urethra. Avoid douching, which may also push bacteria up the urethra and can interfere with the natural balance down there. Also, go to the bathroom as needed, no matter how many times that may be. Holding it in can increase UTI risk.
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- Photo Credit flickr.com
