How to Cope with Severe Urinary Frequency During the Late Stages of Pregnancy?
Severe frequent urination during the late stages of pregnancy can be very annoying for pregnant women, especially when the frequency of urination increases at night. To improve this situation, it is important to adjust one's mindset, control water intake, avoid drinking too much water before going to bed at night, and reduce the consumption of diuretic foods such as plantago seed, pumpkin, and white gourd. Additionally, it is important to avoid holding in urine as this can also contribute to frequent urination. To reduce the need to urinate at night, it is advisable to avoid drinking water within 1-2 hours before bedtime. Many mothers often say that frequent urination during pregnancy can be a good thing as it prepares them for the frequent night wakings that will be necessary after the baby is born.
Pregnant women should also avoid eating diuretic foods, especially during the early and late stages of pregnancy. Foods such as watermelon, clams, poria cocos, white gourd, kelp, alisma, plantago, and corn silk have diuretic properties and should be consumed sparingly. Additionally, it is important for pregnant women to rest in a lateral position to avoid putting pressure on the ureters and prevent infections caused by urine retention in the renal pelvis and ureters. Experts also warn against the "supine hypotensive syndrome" that can occur in pregnant women who are accustomed to sleeping on their backs, which can even lead to shock in severe cases.
Holding in urine is not advisable as the bladder, which stores urine, has a certain degree of stretchability. Normally, the bladder is small, but as urine accumulates, it expands. If urine is not regularly voided, the bladder can lose its elasticity and fail to return to its original shape. This can also lead to the retention of waste products in the body and may even cause uremia. Using sanitary pads during pregnancy can help avoid accidents caused by unexpected urges to urinate. However, it is important to change the pads frequently to prevent bacterial infections.
Regularly performing pelvic floor exercises, such as kegel exercises, can help train the muscles of the pelvic floor and aid in controlling urination. Pelvic relaxation exercises can also be beneficial for preventing stress-related urinary incontinence. These exercises involve getting down on all fours, straightening the back, contracting the buttock muscles, and pushing the pelvis towards the abdomen. The back is then arched and held for a few seconds before relaxing. It is important to perform these exercises within one's comfort level.
