Urinary retention during pregnancy.

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Just wondered if anyone has had this? I'm only 18 weeks pregnant but struggling to wee. I feel the urge to go, but only a trickle comes out and I really have to push it. It's not painful so I know it's not cystitis. I had this when I was pregnant with my son, but much later and also preeclampsia which ended up in delivery at 34 weeks. It started yesterday. I'm hoping it's just the position of the baby on my bladder but I'm worried it's related to kidney function. I don't know what tests/examinations can be done and I can't find much online.

You can go to MAU for this and they can check you don't have a UTI for starters and blood work if they think necessary.

But, I also have this and I started out thinking it was my pelvic floor, so was advised by midwife to do my kegels everyday. Which I did. Got worse.

Turns out it's the opposite, I have a TIGHT pelvic floor and have to work on relaxing it!

Been doing diaphragmatic breathing and certain stretches (quite difficult with a toddler climbing on your head but hey ho) for about 10 days now and it's SO MUCH BETTER.

Worth a try!

@oliveandwell Thanks for the reply! I'm going to the GP later so I think they will know if there is an infection when they test. I spoke to the midwife who said to go to the GP first. I'm hoping it's something simple like that this time!

I have this too. Have had tests for UTIs which found nothing. It eases up if I drink a LOT of water and lean forward on the loo. Midwife also told me to practice pelvic floor, so I’ll see if that makes a difference. Let us know how you get on 🙂

@ES1986 I had a doctors appointment and they couldn't find an infection when they tested. It eased off a bit yesterday but is back with a vengeance today! More so when I go for a walk at lunchtime, so I assume it's due to the position of the baby. I will try some pelvic floor exercises, I'm terrible as I never do them!

Just remember to do the strengthening exercises AND the relaxation other wise you'll get in a pickle.

It seems to have sorted itself out now! I think it's due to the baby being so low down. I sometimes have to "push" a bit harder when I wee but no major issues thankfully!

Just to say if it gets so bad that you literally can't pee, head to A&E because that becomes a medical emergency v quickly and you'll need to get a catheter put in