17weeks pregnant with IC

Hello Sam,

Welcome to the EmpowHER community.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I can appreciate what you must be going through.

For the benefit of all our readers, interstitial cystitis, which is also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition in which you experience bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Add to this pre-existing condition, your developing baby will put more pressure on your bladder and increase the need to urinate.

There is absolutely no reason that you should suffer. First, consult your physician who manages your IC for any suggestions.

I can suggest some lifestyle changes that might give you some relief.

Eliminating or reducing foods in your diet that are potential bladder irritants.

Common bladder irritants — known as the "four Cs" — include: carbonated beverages, caffeine in all forms (including chocolate), citrus products and food containing high concentrations of vitamin C. Also consider avoiding similar foods, such as tomatoes, pickled foods, alcohol and spices. Artificial sweeteners may aggravate symptoms in some people.

If you smoke, quitting is a good thing for both your baby and relief of IC symptoms. Many people feel smoking makes their symptoms worse. How the by-products of tobacco that are excreted in the urine affect IC/PBS is unknown.

Bladder training might offer help. Bladder training techniques vary, but basically you decide to empty your bladder at designated times, such as every half-hour, whether you have to go or not. Then you gradually wait longer between bathroom visits. and use relaxation techniques and distractions to keep to the schedule.

Hope this helps,
Maryann