Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms During Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) because the nature of the urinary tract changes as the uterus grows and the immune system weakens. Since this infection can be serious, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of UTI during pregnancy to receive proper treatment as soon as they appear, which will be explained in this article.

What Are UTI Symptoms During Pregnancy?

UTI, medically known as a urinary tract infection, is an infection that can affect different parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder or kidneys. Here are the main symptoms of UTI during pregnancy:

• Primary Symptoms of UTI 

The common symptoms of UTI during pregnancy are similar to those experienced by non-pregnant women and include:

1. Pain and burning sensation during urination.
2. Increased need to urinate more frequently than usual.
3. A strong urge to urinate even when only a small amount of urine is passed.
4. Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty even after urination.
5. Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
6. Pain during intercourse.
7. Blood or mucus in the urine.
8. Unusual urine color, which may appear cloudy or bloody with a foul or strong odor.
9. Urinary incontinence or leaking urine.

• Advanced Symptoms of UTI 

If a UTI is not treated, it can progress from a bladder infection to a kidney infection, including the symptoms mentioned above plus:

1. Severe back pain, often on one side.
2. Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
3. High fever.
4. Chills or shivering.

Does UTI Affect the Baby?

In fact, a UTI itself does not directly harm the baby. However, the risk lies in not treating it, which can increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight infants.

Therefore, the best way to avoid these risks is to consult a doctor as soon as UTI symptoms appear and to adhere to regular check-ups. Sometimes, a pregnant woman might have a UTI without clear symptoms, and routine tests can detect this.

How is UTI Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman can be diagnosed with a UTI by taking a urine sample and examining it under a microscope to look for bacteria, after the doctor asks about her symptoms and performs a physical examination.

The doctor can request two types of tests to diagnose a UTI during pregnancy:

• Urinalysis: This test involves taking a urine sample to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. The presence of these cells can indicate an infection.
• Urine Culture: This test identifies the type of bacteria in the urine, which helps in determining the best treatment.

Usually, urine tests are performed for all pregnant women once pregnancy is confirmed. The doctor may ask for a repeat test if the woman has had a UTI in the past, shows symptoms of a UTI, or if the doctor believes she is at high risk of developing a UTI.

Pregnant women can undergo UTI screening tests provided by Blazma, which require no prior preparation, such as urine culture and sensitivity tests or urine analysis.