Expert Explains Why Pregnant Women Urinate More Frequently

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Professor Dr. Harrina Erlianti Rahardjo, Sp.U(K), Ph.D, a Specialist Urologist in Female, Functional, and Neurological Subspecialty, explains that pregnant women urinate more frequently and sometimes even find it difficult to hold their urine.

This occurs because as the foetus grows within the womb, it sits behind the bladder, causing increased pressure which enhances sensitivity and the urge to urinate.

“There is a baby inside the uterus, which causes increased intra-abdominal pressure. This puts pressure on the bladder, which can lead to incontinence,” said Prof. Rina during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

“A common occurrence for pregnant women is urinary tract infections due to hormonal changes and other factors,” she added.

If pregnant women experience difficulties controlling their urge to urinate or severe incontinence, it is advisable to seek medical attention to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy.

Such disorders typically present with symptoms such as dysuria (a frequent, painful urge to urinate) or difficulty holding urine, often urinating every 30 minutes to an hour, among other signs.

Patients often mistakenly perceive these conditions as a normal part of ageing or a post-childbirth process, leading to delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

“We observe that many people are still living with bladder and pelvic floor disorders without receiving proper diagnosis or therapy,” said the Chief Medical Officer of Siloam International Hospitals, Dr. Grace Frelita, MM.