Urinary incontinence during early pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, the problem of urinary incontinence can be very troublesome, because the belly is larger during pregnancy, which increases the pressure on the bladder. At this time, you will feel the urge to urinate. If you also have to go to the toilet frequently, it will put a lot of pressure on the body. Urinary incontinence during pregnancy can be treated with some simple and effective methods, but examination is still needed when necessary.

Pregnant women have frequent urination and little urination

Generally speaking, it is normal for pregnant women to have frequent urination and incomplete urination. This is because the pregnant woman's belly is big and the enlarged uterus stimulates the bladder, making it easy for her to urinate and have symptoms of urgency. At the same time, due to hormonal changes, the bladder's sensitivity to tension decreases, resulting in overfilling, incomplete urination, frequent urination, and very little urination. However, in reality, urinary tract infection can also cause frequent urination and urgency.

1. Why are pregnant women prone to urinary tract infections?

Pregnant women are more susceptible to these urinary system diseases, which is mainly related to the physiological structure of pregnant women during this special period.

First, because the placenta secretes a large amount of estrogen and progesterone, the bladder's sensitivity to tension is reduced, resulting in overfilling, incomplete urination, and even residual urine, which creates conditions for the reproduction of bacteria in the bladder; secondly, as the gestational age increases, the enlarged uterus can easily cause ureteral distortion and urine retention, which also provides conditions for the survival and reproduction of bacteria in the urinary tract. Finally, the increase in nutrients such as amino acids and water-soluble vitamins in urine during pregnancy is also conducive to bacterial growth. In addition, some pregnant women neglect vaginal hygiene because their movements become less and less flexible during pregnancy, making them more susceptible to urinary system diseases.

2. Effects of urinary tract infection on the fetus

Generally speaking, mild urinary tract infections have little impact on the fetus, but they cannot be ignored and should be treated in a timely manner. If the urinary tract infection is not well controlled, the inflammation will spread upward and cause intrauterine infection in pregnant women, increasing the incidence of premature rupture of membranes, amniotic fluid contamination, and premature birth. It is also disadvantageous for pregnant women themselves, as it can easily cause them to develop acute pyelonephritis, which has a great impact on both mother and baby. Therefore, if pregnant women experience frequent and urgent urination, they must be examined to rule out infection factors.

3. How to distinguish between urinary tract infection and normal frequent urination and incomplete urination

Urinary tract infections generally have the following three characteristics:

1) In addition to frequent urination, there is also urgency and pain when urinating

2) Urinary tract infection can cause low back pain. This pain is mainly manifested in unilateral low back pain. The pain is obvious when tapping the kidney area on the affected side. During pregnancy, due to the increased burden on the uterus, pregnant women will also cause muscle tension under normal circumstances. However, this pain is different from the pain caused by urinary tract infection. Physiological low back pain during pregnancy is mostly bilateral low back pain and lumbosacral pain, which will be relieved after rest.

3) Pain and burning sensation when urinating, and fever over 37.8℃.

If a pregnant mother feels that she has mild symptoms of infection, she can drink more water, urinate more frequently, and observe for a day or two. If the symptoms can be relieved or disappear, there is no need to worry too much. If there is no improvement, go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.