There are different types of bladder infections, but generally the symptoms can include burning or pain with urination, an urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, and fever. Urinary bladder infections are a common complication of pregnancy. When bladder infection in pregnancy is diagnosed, a urine culture is taken and tested for bacteria. There are normal changes that take place in the urinary tract during pregnancy that contribute to a high chance of developing a bladder infection such as the bladder not fully emptying.
Uterus Placement on the Bladder
Physical changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the anatomical changes caused by the growing uterus, can contribute to inconsistent activity in the urinary tract, increasing the chance of developing a bladder infection. The expanding uterus causes the kidneys to become enlarged, and compresses the ureters and bladder. Ureters are tubes that direct urine from the kidneys to the bladder. According to American Pregnancy Association, bladder infection is frequently caused by the growing uterus shifting toward the top of the bladder and urethra, blocking the flow of urine. A test for bladder infection is normally given at the initial prenatal visit and through out pregnancy.
E. Coli Infection
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, Escherichia coli bacteria, are the most common bacteria that cause bladder infection during pregnancy. Although it is normal to find E.coli in the rectal and vaginal areas, E.coli bacteria can get into cells of the urinary tract and cause problems. The body has ways of defending itself by flushing these bacteria out through the secretion of urine. However, they are able to design ways of planting themselves in the cells of the urinary tract. Once anchored, the bacteria will take over receptors in the cells located in the urinary tract's mucosal lining.
Group B Streptococcus Infection
The digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area of pregnant women are breeding grounds for group B streptococcus, or GBS. Although GBS infection may not cause any difficulty in healthy women before pregnancy, it can threaten the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy and post-delivery. Group B streptococcus is a concern in the pregnant mother as a urinary tract infection can lead to early labor and premature birth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that 30 percent of pregnant women have GBS bacteria. Cultures and testing for these bacteria are normally taken toward the end of the pregnancy term.
