A bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection, occurs when bacteria enter the normally sterile bladder through the urethra, the thin tube that carries urine from the bladder out of a woman's body. Physical changes during pregnancy increase an expectant mother's risk of developing a bladder infection, according to the American Pregnancy Association. A pregnant woman should talk with her doctor early on about the potentially serious consequences of a bladder infection.
Kidney Infection
An asymptomatic or untreated bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection in pregnant women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This consequence of a bladder infection can cause symptoms such as a high fever, blood in the urine or back or abdominal pain. A kidney infection, which is also called pyelonephritis, can result in permanent damage or scarring of a woman's kidneys. Additionally, if a kidney infection is left untreated, bacteria from the kidneys can spread into a woman's bloodstream. Bacterial infections of the blood, called sepsis, can cause life-threatening complications in pregnant women.
Anemia
Anemia can develop as a consequence of a bladder infection during pregnancy, Dr. John Delzell Jr. and Dr. Michael Lefevre warn in a February 2000 article in the American Family Physician. Anemia, or low red blood cell levels, can cause increased fatigue, headache, dizziness or pale skin in expectant mothers.
High-Blood Pressure or Pre-Eclampsia
Blood pressure changes are more likely to occur in women who develop bladder infections during pregnancy, according to Dr. Delzell, Jr. and Dr. Lefevre. These blood pressure changes can include hypertension, or high-blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia. Women who develop pre-eclampsia can experience swelling, headache, vision alterations and unusual, rapid weight gain. These blood-pressure changes in an expectant mother can lead to fetal development complications.
Premature Labor and Low Birth Weight
An untreated bladder infection can cause premature labor, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Premature labor, or giving birth before 37 weeks gestation, increases a woman's risk of delivering a low birth-weight infant. Babies who weigh less than 5 lbs. 8 oz. at birth are considered to be low birth weight and are at an increased risk of respiratory difficulties or bleeding of the brain immediately after delivery, warns the March of Dimes. Low birth-weight infants are also more likely to develop serious medical problems during adulthood, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy
- "American Family Physician;" Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy; Dr. John Delzell, Jr. and Dr. Michael Lefevre; February 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection - Complications
- FamilyDoctor.org: Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
- March of Dimes: Low Birthweight
