UTI During Pregnancy

UTI During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy, especially in the later stages. In the third trimester, your body is undergoing significant changes. Your growing uterus can press against the bladder and urinary tract, making it harder to empty your bladder fully. It can increase the risk of bacteria growing in the urinary system, leading to a UTI. 

What is UTI During Pregnancy? 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy is an infection of any part of the urinary system that occurs while a woman is pregnant. Your urinary system includes: 

• Urethra 
• Ureters 
• Kidneys 
• Bladder 

The urinary system works together to filter waste and excess water from the blood (via the kidneys) and excrete it as urine. As long as it is in your body, there is usually no bacteria in it. However, many bacteria are present outside the body and around the genital area. In case it moves into your urinary system, an infection can occur. 

Pregnancy triggers your risk of developing urinary tract infections. During the period of pregnancy particularly weeks 6 to 24- your urinary tract changes as your uterus grows. Followed by increased weight and pressure of the uterus on the bladder which can disrupt the flow of urine, creating it an favourable environment for bacteria. 

Pregnancy causes changes in the immune system, which may reduce the body’s ability to fight certain infections, including UTIs. This can increase your risk of getting infection from UTIs. 

What are the Different Types of Urinary Tract Infections? 

There are some different types of urinary tract infections that can affect your urinary system. 

• Urethritis: Involves your urethra, the tube that are passage for pee to come out from your body. 
• Cystitis: Affects your bladder which holds your urine 
• Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB): A condition where bacteria is present and actively growing in the urinary tract, usually due to the physiological changes of pregnancy (stagnant urine), but without causing any noticeable symptoms. 
• Pyelonephritis: involves your kidneys 

Common Symptoms of a UTI in the Third Trimester 

UTIs in pregnancy can sometimes be harder to detect because some symptoms may overlap with normal pregnancy discomfort. However, there are specific signs you can watch out for. They are as follows: 

1. Pain or Burning During Urination: One of the most noticeable signs of a UTI is a burning sensation or discomfort when passing urine. Irritation in the bladder and urethra often causes this symptom. During this, pathogens such as bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause pain. 
2. Frequent Urge to Urinate: While needing to urinate more often is normal during pregnancy, a sudden or sharp increase in frequency may indicate a UTI. Especially if it is accompanied by discomfort, it can be a symptom. Additionally, you might feel the urge to go even if very little urine comes out. 
3. Cloudy, Dark or Foul-Smelling Urine: Changes in urine appearance or smell are another clear sign. If your urine becomes cloudy, has a strong odour or looks darker than usual, it could indicate the presence of bacteria or blood in the urinary tract. 
4. Lower Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: If you notice a dull ache or pressure in the lower part of the abdomen, it may be a symptom of a UTI. This pain can be persistent or increase during urination. Moreover, it may sometimes feel similar to mild cramps. 
5. Back Pain or Discomfort Near the Kidneys: In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys. When this happens, it causes pain in the back, just below the ribs on one or both sides. Kidney infections can be serious and often require urgent treatment. 
6. Fever or Chills: Fever indicates that the infection may have moved beyond the bladder and into the kidneys. If you experience a high temperature or chills, contact your doctor immediately. 
7. Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms can occur when a UTI progresses into a kidney infection. If you feel unwell or weak or experience loss of appetite, you should seek medical care immediately. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to something much more serious. 
8. Asymptomatic bacteriuria: No symptoms but bacteria in urine, is common in pregnancy and also requires treatment to prevent complications. 

Why are UTIs a Concern During Late Pregnancy? 

In the third trimester, the risk of complications from UTIs can increase. Recognising the symptoms early is essential because untreated UTIs can lead to more serious problems. These include kidney infections and complications during delivery. 

It can also lead to early labour or low birth weight. It is also possible for the infection to reach the kidneys, which may require hospital treatment. That is why it is essential to report any symptoms to your doctor or midwife. 

Listening to your body and recognising unusual signs in the third trimester is important for your health and your baby’s. UTIs are common but treatable. When addressed early, they rarely cause harm. If you are unsure about a symptom, it is always better to check with your healthcare provider for peace of mind. 

Also Read:

→ Understanding NT Scan in Pregnancy: Importance & Procedure

→ What is a Chemical Pregnancy

→ What Level of TSH is Dangerous During Pregnancy

→ What Are the First Signs of Pregnancy

→ Why is Yoghurt Good During Pregnancy