A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, urethra and kidney. It is common during pregnancy due to the changes in your body. As the uterus grows larger, it puts pressure on the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. If the bladder is not able to empty completely, you can get an infection. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a UTI can prevent any risk to your pregnancy and baby.
Pain with Urination
It should never hurt when you urinate. If you feel pain, call your doctor or midwife right away. You could also experience pain or pressure in the area of your bladder or pain in the lower abdominal area and lower back.
Frequency and Pressure
If you experience frequency or pressure along with other symptoms while pregnant, you most likely have an infection.
Blood in Your Urine
If there is blood in your urine while you are pregnant, the cause is most likely a bladder or kidney infection. Your urine may be pink, orange or dark yellow.
Dark Color or Strong Odor
A UTI can cause the urine to look darker than usual and it will have a pungent odor.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
If the infection in your bladder is not treated, it could travel to your kidneys. This is more common in the second half of your pregnancy. Women with a kidney infection may experience fever, flank pain, nausea and vomiting, dehydration and all of the other UTI symptoms.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is when there is a urinary tract infection, but the woman feels no symptoms. Your doctor or midwife will often check your urine at your first prenatal visit to determine if you have an asymptomatic infection.
References
- Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
- Bladder Infection and Pregnancy
- A Midwife's Handbook; Constance Sinclair; 2004
