Warning Signs and Symptoms of UTI During PregnancyWhat Are The Warning Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI ) During Pregnancy?

UTI Infections Common During Pregnancy
Urinary tract infections or UTI’s also commonly referred to as bladder infections, are common during pregnancy. They typically result from an inflammation or bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Pregnant women are more at risk for urinary tract infections during pregnancy than at other times, particularly during pregnancy weeks 6 through pregnancy week 24.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of UTI During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more at risk because as their uterus grows and expands, it compresses the bladder. This sometimes results in a block of urine from the bladder preventing urine from draining properly. This can lead to an infection.

Here are some of the more common signs of a UTI during pregnancy:

  •  Burning, pain or itching on urinating.
  •  Lower abdominal cramps or pain.
  •  Frequent need to urinate without producing much output.
  •  Pain on intercourse in the lower abdomen or cervix.
  •  Fever or chills.
  •  Frequent leaking of urine.
  •  Change in the output of urine.
  •  Foul smelling discharge or urine that seems very strong.
  •  Pain or pressure at or around the bladder or lower abdomen.
  •  Back pain, nausea and vomiting, typically occurring when the infection spreads to the kidneys. This is a serious complication of UTI’s during pregnancy and requires prompt medical attention.

How Do I Treat A UTI During Pregnancy?
If your doctor suspects a UTI they will test for it and treat it immediately. A UTI can pose a danger to your baby if left untreated, as it can develop into a more severe kidney infection. A kidney infection may put you or your baby at risk. The more common risks include premature rupture of the membranes, delivery or low birth weight.

Your doctor will usually perform a urinalysis to test for a UTI during pregnancy. If you do have a UTI, your doctor will likely recommend a course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. There are many antibiotics your doctor can safely prescribe during pregnancy to help treat your infection and reduce your risk for a more serious infection.

Preventing Future UTI’s During Pregnancy
There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent a UTI during pregnancy. These include:

  •  Drink eight glasses of water every day.
  •  Consider adding cranberry juice to your diet especially if you have a history of UTI’s.
  •  Eat less processed foods and more whole foods.
  •  Take a vitamin C supplement daily, up to 500 mg to help prevent infection.
  •  Always urinate the moment you feel the urge to help prevent an infection.
  •  Use the bathroom immediately following intercourse to help prevent infection.
  •  Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps and douching during pregnancy.
  •  Be sure to wipe from front to back.
  •  Wear cotton underwear that is breathable during pregnancy.
  •  Avoid tight clothing or undergarments that can worsen a UTI or contribute to other infections including a yeast infection.
  •  Avoid soaking in long tubs more than once each day, as this can contribute to UTI infections and yeast infections.

These simple strategies are often all that are necessary to help prevent UTI infections in women. Your doctor may recommend additional strategies if you experience frequent or chronic UTI infections.

Be sure you  let your doctor know your health history so they are on the lookout for UTI infections if you have a history of them. Fortunately with early treatment most women will go on to deliver health, full term babies even if diagnosed with a UTI during pregnancy!