Needing to pass water often is an early sign of pregnancy. Sometimes it continues right through pregnancy. In later pregnancy it’s the result of the baby’s head pressing on the bladder. If you find that you need to get up in the night, you could try cutting out drinks in the late evening, but make sure you keep drinking plenty during the day.
Later in pregnancy, some women find it helps to rock backwards and forwards while they are on the toilet. This lessens the pressure of the womb on the bladder so that you can empty it properly. Then you won’t need to pass water again quite so soon.
If you have any pain while passing water, or pass any blood, you may have a urine infection, which will need treatment. Drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and reduce irritation. You should contact your GP within 24 hours.
Sometimes pregnant women are unable to prevent a sudden spurt of urine or a small leak when they cough, sneeze or laugh, or when moving suddenly or just getting up from a sitting position. This may be temporary because the pelvic floor muscles relax slightly to prepare for the baby’s delivery.
The growing baby will increase pressure on the bladder. If you find this a problem, you can start exercises to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Ask a midwife or obstetric physiotherapist for advice.
