Question about low baby and urinating

[Asher]

I do not know that my baby is engaged, but he has been getting progressively lower the last few weeks. Now, every time I urinate, it feels like I have to basically push to urinate past his head, i.e make an actual effort to empty my bladder.

Is this something that is normal or should I be concerned and/or mention it to my midwife at my next visit? I don't recall this with my others, but it has been a while and I don't think any ever dropped until labor. (Again, not sure that he's engaged, but he is definitely riding lower.)

[the_lissa]

It is normal. Dr. Sears has a tip for getting the urine out easier at this stage, but I forget. With my last pregnancy, I had to lift my belly up when I peed or sometimes pee, stand up, sit down and pee again.

[CookAMH]

I often have to lift my belly a tad for better flow. Just a little bit helps a ton!! DH laughs at me.

[Asher]

Thank you! I think one thing I've read is to lean forward to empty the bladder more? I just don't remember this with my others! TMI, but as "regular" and loose as my bowels are lately, I have to strain more to urinate than have a bowel movement!

[j_p_i]

Yep, I do the belly lift too. Also sort of shift and lean to one side or the other while lifting helps. I don't know that I could lean forward while peeing, I think my belly is too low!

[cmoma]

I lean to the side to try and get it all out! Never thought to lift my belly LOL!

[Limabean1975]

Hee hee, I'm glad I'm not the only one maneuvering to attempt to get it all out. No amount of tilting or leaning or belly lifting does it....I do something far more embarassing. I stand up, then pee a little on a the wad of toilet paper as I'm wiping.