Pregnancy can put a lot of strain on your body. As your baby grows, you may notice that you need to use the bathroom more frequently. This is often caused by the pressure your baby puts on your bladder. However, increased urgency isn't the only change in your urinary tract during pregnancy. Many women find that they experience a slight degree of incontinence, and the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) goes up. In fact, UTIs are the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy. To help keep you and your baby safe, it's important to understand signs, symptoms, and treatment options for all common urinary tract issues during pregnancy.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract. It can affect either the lower urinary tract, the upper urinary tract, or a combination of both. UTIs in pregnancy are the same during nongestational periods. They're characterized by bacteria that have entered the urethra and multiplied, resulting in inflammation of the urinary tract. The most common culprit of a UTI is uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), but other bacteria can also cause them.
Different Types of UTIs During Pregnancy
Since pregnant women are at an increased risk for UTIs, they're also more susceptible to infections that spread through the urinary system. Some of the types of UTIs that you can experience include:
- Asymptomatic — This is when bacteria are present in the urine, but you don't experience any of the traditional UTI symptoms. Asymptomatic UTIs are detected after a urine sample during prenatal visits, not because of pain or irritation.
- Cystitis — This is when the bacteria has traveled up the urethra and started multiplying in the bladder. Women with cystitis are at an increased risk of developing more serious infections.
- Pyelonephritis — When bacteria enter the kidneys, this results in pyelonephritis or a kidney infection. It needs to be treated with antibiotics; otherwise, it can lead to serious complications like permanent kidney damage or renal failure.
Any infection will require antibiotic treatment, so it's important to tell your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms.
Common Causes of a UTI During Pregnancy
UTIs are common and tend to occur in about 1 in 10 pregnant women. This is because the uterus sits on top of the bladder and can put increased pressure on the entire system. The increasing pressure of your browsing baby can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to multiply.
Pregnancy hormones are another cause of UTIs in pregnant women. During the first trimester, the surge in hormones can lead to something called vesicoureteral reflux. In this condition, urine flows back up the bladder to your kidneys, which can increase your risk of developing a UTI. Pregnancy also increases the concentration of sugar, protein, and hormones in your urine, which impacts your risk of developing a UTI.
Symptoms of a UTI During Pregnancy
While some UTIs can be present without symptoms, many women experience a combination of one or more of the telltale symptoms. Some of the most common signs of a UTI when you're pregnant include:
- Increased urinary frequency
- Pain or burning during urination
- Increased urinary urgency
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Blood or mucus in the urine
- Cramps or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Urinary incontinence
- Chills or sweats
- Nocturia
- Changes in urination
- Changes in the amount of urine produced
- Urine that has a foul smell
- Cloudy urine
- Pain or pressure in the bladder area
- Back pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you experience any of the above symptoms or other changes in the urinary tract system, call your doctor or a healthcare professional to diagnose the issue. This will help ensure you receive an appropriate UTI treatment based on the bacteria and severity.
Potential Complications of UTIs in Pregnant Women
When left untreated, the bacteria can affect your baby's development. Although a UTI isn't usually a cause for concern, the presence of bacteria in your urine has been associated with a higher risk of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure that can lead to organ damage and fetal complications. In extreme cases, preeclampsia may even result in fatality.
The presence of bacteria in your urine can also affect your baby. Getting a UTI and foregoing treatment is associated with low birth weight and can lead to preterm labor, which is why a urine test is done during many prenatal visits. If you've had recurrent urinary tract infections or chronic symptoms, your doctor may ask you to do a urinalysis more often.
Pregnant women who experience a UTI are also more likely to get a kidney infection than individuals who are not pregnant. This can become life-threatening when not treated and may lead to severe infections, problems with blood pressure, and more.
When a UTI is treated, it will not harm your newborn, so try not to worry. As long as you seek treatment early and see your doctor for prenatal visits, the risk of complications is very low.
Other Urinary Tract Issues During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women may experience several urinary tract issues beyond UTIs. Common concerns include increased frequency of urination, a result of the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.
Hormonal changes also contribute to the relaxation of the urinary tract muscles, leading to difficulty fully emptying the bladder. This, in turn, may increase the risk of urinary retention and urinary incontinence. Additionally, other factors can contribute to the dilation of the kidneys and urinary collecting system, which might cause mild renal pelvis dilation.
While these issues are often a natural consequence of pregnancy, proper prenatal care and regular monitoring can help manage and address these urinary tract changes, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
Treating Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
Regardless of whether you think you have a UTI or some other urinary tract issue, it's crucial to get it checked out. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that's safe to take during pregnancy. The course of antibiotics should be finished completely unless otherwise indicated by your doctor. If you experience any side effects while taking the medication, contact your doctor immediately. You'll also need to have a follow-up test to ensure the infection is completely gone.
Your doctor may also recommend undergoing an ultrasound to check your kidneys if you have recurrent or serious UTIs. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask during your appointment or after.
Ways to Help Prevent UTIs and Bladder Infections
While there are several things you can do to take a proactive approach to UTI prevention, it's not guaranteed to prevent them entirely. Still, following these healthy habits can reduce your risk of experiencing a urinary tract infection during pregnancy:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Urinate whenever you feel the urge to go (avoid holding it)
- Urinate immediately after sex
- Practice good hygiene
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Try to shower more often than taking baths
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid any scented sprays or powders in the genital area
- Avoid douching
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Take prenatal vitamins
What to Know About Postpartum UTIs
During the postpartum period, you may also be at a higher risk of developing a UTI—especially during recovery. If you have a c-section or received an epidural, you'll need to have a catheter inserted into your bladder during delivery. While this is safe, especially in hospital settings, elongated use of a catheter can further increase your risk of a UTI postpartum. Your doctor will go over all of these precautions with you depending on your delivery but don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
If you experience chronic UTIs or other urologic conditions during pregnancy, try not to panic. There are several ways to treat and manage your diagnosis and eliminate the bacteria from your body to keep your baby safe. However, in doing so, it's extremely important to follow your doctor's prescription plan and take a proactive approach to prevention. To help, Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of high-quality urological supplies that can be discreetly delivered to your door. Browse our urology product catalog today or call one of our representatives for more information on our catheter delivery program.
