Difference Between UTI and Pregnancy Symptoms

UTI or Pregnancy? How to Tell the Difference by Symptoms

Frequent urination is a common symptom of both UTI and pregnancy. Apart from this, other symptoms, such as burning or pain during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and fever, indicate a UTI. On the other hand, pregnancy exhibits signs like nausea, missed periods, and fatigue.

What are the Key Differences between UTI and Pregnancy Symptoms?

Here are the key differences between UTI and pregnancy symptoms:

UTI Symptoms	Pregnancy Symptoms
Frequent urination, the urge to urinate more than usual, especially during the night.	Missed periods are the most common symptom of pregnancy. The absence of a period during the expected time is a hallmark of pregnancy.
Burning sensation or pain during urination. It exhibits a sharp or stinging sensation when urinating.	Nausea and vomiting, often known as morning sickness, are seen during pregnancy.
The urine in case of a UTI may appear cloudy, have a foul odour, or contain blood.	Another distinguishing symptom of pregnancy is the unusual feeling of exhaustion and tiredness.
Sudden urgency to urinate, even when the bladder is full, can be a possible symptom of a UTI.	Breast tenderness, tingling or swelling is a positive sign of pregnancy. This can distinguish between pregnancy and a urinary tract infection.
Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen are seen in the case of a UTI. Sometimes, patients may experience cramping and pressure in the groin area.	Headache, dizziness, food cravings, bloating, or aversions are the common symptoms of pregnancy.
Fever (>38°C) and flank pain (suggesting pyelonephritis)	Frequent urination in pregnancy is typically painless (vs. dysuria in UTI). Mild pelvic pressure (due to uterine growth) can mimic UTI discomfort.

Bacteria that Cause UTI During Pregnancy

Certain bacteria can cause UTIs during pregnancy if you are exposed to them. One of the most common bacteria is E. coli (Escherichia coli), and it causes more than 80% to 90% of UTIs during pregnancy. It is commonly found in stool and other bodily fluids, and it can easily travel through the urethra.

Apart from E. coli, other types of bacteria that cause UTIs are as follows:

Klebsiella pneumoniae
Proteus mirabilis
Group B Streptococcus
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Enterococcus

These are less prevalent than E. coli, but they can still cause other serious complications, which may lead to significant health problems.

How to Diagnose UTIs During Pregnancy?

Healthcare providers generally use two types of diagnostic tests for UTIs. They collect a certain number of urine samples to conduct these two tests:

Urinalysis: Doctors conduct this test to check the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria in your urine sample. Higher levels of red blood and white blood cells may indicate a UTI infection.
Urine Culture:Doctors culture the urine sample to look for the colonies of the bacteria present there. Detecting the colony type can help your provider determine the best treatment.
Dipstick tests (leukocyte esterase/nitrites)are often used for screening but are less reliable than culture.

What are the Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

A short course of antibiotics is generally sufficient to resolve a UTI in the bladder. These antibiotics include:

Nitrofurantoin
Ciprofloxacin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Cephalexin
Ceftriaxone

Certain drugs may not be suitable for the foetus. Hence, lifestyle modifications or diet can ease the symptoms, such as morning sickness or frequent nausea. Taking these drugs during pregnancy may cause different congenital defects in the foetus.

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