Urinary Problems During Pregnancy

Most women have an increased urge to urinate during pregnancy. This is a normal body response related to hormone changes that occur during pregnancy and to physical pressure on the Reference bladder Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.

Reference Bladder infections Opens New Window are more common during pregnancy. When a bladder infection develops during pregnancy, you may have discomfort when you urinate or have a strong urge to urinate but pass only a small amount of urine. Bladder infections during pregnancy may increase your risk of Reference kidney infections Opens New Window, Reference miscarriage Opens New Window, and having a premature or low-birth-weight baby.

The inability to urinate (retention) may be caused by infection, pressure on the tubes that carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the use of Reference medicines, or a blockage of the Reference urethra Opens New Window. In rare cases, the urethra can become blocked by a blood clot or Reference bladder stone Opens New Window. Call your doctor if you are unable to urinate during your pregnancy.

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