During pregnancy, your growing uterus presses down on your bladder, which in itself can cause you to want to go more often. Your urinary tract also becomes relaxed and more dilated, so there is an increased chance of bacteria entering. If you add the fact that hormones may also increase sensitivity, it’s no surprise that you find yourself going to the toilet a lot. The urgent need to pee is not necessarily a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but you should be aware of the following:
What causes UTIs in pregnant women?
Urinary tract infections are not uncommon in pregnant women, and acute cystitis develops in about 2% of them, mostly due to the fact that the uterus presses on the bladder, making it harder to empty it. The longer urine remains in the bladder the more it will irritate its walls, which will result in inflammation, burning and a frequent urge to pee. Also, during pregnancy, urine tends to carry more sugar, protein, and hormones, making it a breeding ground for bacteria [1].
15% of pregnancies develop against the background of asymptomatic bacteriuria — a urinary tract infection you can’t really feel. It is most often detected in urine tests, in which case antibiotics are usually prescribed, even if the mother is unaware of the infection. If bacteriuria is not treated, then urethritis, cystitis, and even pyelonephritis (an inflammation of the kidneys), can develop. And with that, there might be an increased risk of preterm birth [2].
What are the symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy?
The problem is that mild UTI symptoms are very similar to those of pregnancy itself [1]:
frequent urination;
very strong urge to pee (very difficult to contain);
repeated night trips to the toilet.
To be safe, you should inform your doctor about any of these symptoms and take a urine test to check for any possible infection.
The following signs do accurately indicate infection and inflammation and you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid any complications:
burning sensation when urinating;
pain above the pubis;
cloudy urine;
blood in the urine.
A fever could be a sign that the infection has traveled to your kidneys, which requires immediate medical intervention and quite possibly a hospital stay [3].
What should I do if I am diagnosed with a UTI?
Usually, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic [1, 3]. If your condition worsens or if you develop UTIs more than three times during pregnancy, then, most likely, you will be provided with a stricter protocol that may involve daily low-dose antibiotics after a third infection [1]. Treatment for urinary tract infections during pregnancy is effective and your doctor will prescribe medicine that is safe for your baby.
