We also got in touch with Dr Alka Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, for more information about this condition.
Why Do Bladder Spasms Happen in Pregnancy?
As per Dr Chaudhary, the occurrence of bladder spasms during pregnancy is fairly common and may result in acute pain, cramps, pressure and urge to pass urine, even when your bladder is not full. This is because the uterus of a pregnant woman will expand and exert extra pressure on your bladder, thereby limiting the capacity of your bladder and sensitising its muscles.The other possibility could be that the hormones released will have an impact on your bladder and may cause bladder spasms. There are physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which make your bladder work in a different way.
You are most likely to experience bladder spasms more frequently in the third trimester of your pregnancy as the baby starts descending into your pelvis, thus putting extra pressure on your bladder. The spasms are also likely to occur right after certain positions of your body, including long periods of sitting and suddenly standing up from a sitting position.
Could It Be a Urinary Tract Infection?
As Dr Chaudhary has observed, in some instances, the muscle cramps in the bladder can also mean that there is an infection in the urinary tract, called a UTI. UTIs are relatively common during pregnancy, especially because of hormonal reasons."In case there are symptoms such as pain while urinating, urine having an unpleasant odour, fever, and pain in the lower stomach, then immediate medical intervention is needed. This is because UTIs may cause infections in the kidneys or even preterm labour."
Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Dr Alka Chaudhary.
It is an essential factor to remember. Even though bladder spasms by themselves are not something to worry about, a UTI requires quick treatment; therefore, it is good to look out for these symptoms.
UTI is more frequent among pregnant women because of the increased level of progesterone in a woman's body. Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the urinary tract, making the passage of urine slower and providing conditions for bacterial reproduction. That is why doctors recommend having a routine urine test done during prenatal visits even when no symptoms of infection are present.
What Are Some Tips to Decrease Bladder Spasms?
According to Dr Chaudhary, there are some easy tips you can follow to decrease the frequency of your bladder irritation when you are pregnant:- Drink plenty of fluids during the day
- Stay away from excess caffeine
- Urinate frequently rather than retaining urine in your bladder
- Perform pelvic floor exercises
- Keep yourself hygienic since it is also an important step in preventing urinary infections
When Do You Need to Contact Your Doctor?
Visit a doctor if you have:- Bladder pain that does not go away
- Blood in your urine
- A fever
- Difficulty in urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain
Bladder spasms are a condition that may be very unpleasant for you, especially if they occur unexpectedly or despite the fact that you just went to the bathroom. However, in most cases, this is something natural because the body changes in pregnancy affect this process, but it may be useful to pay attention to any other symptoms that may indicate an infection.
Always mention any frequent discomfort in your bladder during your visits, since your doctor will be able to test your urine to detect a UTI and avoid developing this condition.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Why Do You Experience Bladder Spasms During Pregnancy?
- Is there a connection between bladder spasms and Braxton Hicks contractions?
Sometimes, these conditions might be confused due to the similarity of symptoms, but bladder spasms affect the bladder only, whereas Braxton Hicks affect the uterus. - How can I relieve my bladder spasm without visiting a doctor?
Proper hydration, reduction in caffeine consumption, frequent bladder emptying, and pelvic floor exercises can help with your bladder irritation. - Can dehydration be a reason for bladder spasms during pregnancy?
Certainly, dehydration can be a cause of bladder irritation. The fact that you do not consume enough water makes your urine more concentrated. In this case, you might irritate your bladder and provoke spasms.