8 Hygiene Rules for a Healthy Vagina
According to the Cleveland Clinic, many pregnant women will notice changes in their urine throughout their pregnancies, and many may even notice that they are urinating more often than usual before they have missed their first period or taken a pregnancy test. This occurs as a result of the pregnancy hormone hCG, which the body starts producing after the embryo implants in the uterus and which can lead to frequent urination.
As the fetus grows, the uterus begins to press on the bladder, making it smaller in size. This makes it fill with urine more quickly, and you’ll will feel the urge to urinate more often and more urgently, according to Merck Manual. As the pregnancy continues, the uterus pushes down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles, and this pressure also leads to the urge to urinate more frequently.
Additionally, it’s typical for some urine to leak when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. According to the Office on Women’s Health, taking frequent bathroom breaks and performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles may be helpful.
Common Changes in Urine During Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, your urine’s color and odor may change.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your urine appears darker and more concentrated, you may be dehydrated. Pregnant women should drink more water than usual, and checking the color of your urine can help you know if you’re getting enough fluids. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), morning sickness, especially hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) — which can cause vomiting — can also result in dehydration.
Your hormones could change the smell of your urine during pregnancy. However, according to the ACOG, a strong urine odor may also be a sign of a urinary tract infection. It’s interesting to note that some pregnant women may experience an increase in their sense of smell, making them more sensitive to the naturally occurring ammonia-like smell of their urine.
Your urine may contain blood as a result of vaginal bleeding. According to the ACOG, if you notice this at any point during your pregnancy, contact your doctor. At the beginning of their pregnancy, some women may experience light implantation bleeding, which is not always a problem. Additionally, light bleeding after sex, an internal examination, or a pap smear may occur in women. According to the ACOG, vaginal bleeding may also be a sign of a cervix or vaginal infection.
Dehydration:
You are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester (also known as hyperemesis gravidarum). Dehydration may result in small amounts of dark-colored urine being passed (3).