A 33-year-old female client in her first trimester of pregnancy compla

A 33-year-old female client in her first trimester of pregnancy complains to the nurse on her pre-natal visit that she is needs to urinate more frequently and is concerned about having a urinary tract infection.

Which of the following statements would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
1. Are you having any burning or pain when you urinate?
2. Your uterus is pushing up against your bladder which causes you to have to go more frequently
3. Later in your pregnancy as the baby gets bigger it will be a lot worse
4. It is normal for you to have to urinate more frequently because you are eliminating for two now

ANSWER

ANS: 1
In a pregnant woman the developing fetus pushes against the bladder, reducing the bladder’s capacity and causing a feeling of fullness. This effect is more likely to occur in the first and third trimesters. Since the client expressed concern regarding a UTI, the nurse should make further as-sessments to explore that possibility.