Overview

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 bladder (Figure 1).

Bladder infections 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 kidney infections, miscarriage, 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 medicines, or a blockage of the urethra. In rare cases, the urethra can become blocked by a blood clot or bladder stone. Call your doctor if you are unable to urinate during your pregnancy.

Figure 1 - Female urinary system

The female urinary system, or the urinary tract, includes the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra.

The kidneys filter waste products and water from the blood to form urine. The urine moves from the kidneys through tubes called ureters to the bladder, which stores the urine. From the bladder, urine leaves the body through another thin tube, the urethra.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.