Anatomic and functional changes of the lower urinary tract during pregnancy

Pregnant women usually acknowledge and more or less accept symptoms of urinary frequency, nocturia, and leakage as annoying aspects of pregnancy that are expected to resolve when the pregnancy is over. Studies have shown that urinary symptoms may be more than just "annoying" - the symptoms can markedly reduce quality of life. This article provides an overview of the lower urinary tract during pregnancy, including considerations of symptoms of urinary frequency; nocturia and incontinence; changes in bladder support; and the occurrence of urinary retention, a urologic emergency.