A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system. These infections are common during pregnancy. Physiological changes, such as hormonal shifts and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder, can increase susceptibility to UTIs. Understanding the signs of a bladder infection is important for pregnant individuals.
Recognizing Symptoms
Bladder infections during pregnancy can manifest with a range of symptoms, from noticeable discomfort to no symptoms at all. Common indicators include a burning sensation during urination and an increased, often urgent, need to urinate, even if only small amounts of urine are passed. Urine may also appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or, in some cases, contain visible blood. Lower abdominal discomfort or cramping above the pubic bone can also signal a bladder infection.
Beyond these typical signs, pregnant individuals might experience more subtle or atypical symptoms. These can include mild back pain, general feelings of unease, or even nausea and vomiting. Some pregnant individuals may have bacteria in their urine without experiencing any symptoms, a condition known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. This lack of overt symptoms is why routine urine tests are often conducted during prenatal appointments to detect such infections early.
Importance of Early Action
Addressing a bladder infection promptly during pregnancy is important due to potential serious complications if left untreated. An infection that starts in the bladder can spread upward to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis. This more severe condition can cause symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and upper back pain, often on one side.
Untreated UTIs, particularly those that progress to kidney infections, are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both the pregnant individual and the baby. These risks include preterm labor, where the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, and low birth weight. Untreated infections can also lead to more severe maternal complications, such as sepsis.
Seeking Medical Care
If a bladder infection is suspected during pregnancy, contacting a healthcare provider is the next step. Self-treating or delaying medical advice is not recommended due to potential complications. The diagnostic process involves a urine test, followed by a urine culture. A urine culture identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the infection, guiding antibiotic selection.
Treatment for bladder infections during pregnancy involves antibiotics considered safe for both the pregnant individual and the fetus. Common examples of antibiotics that may be prescribed include penicillins and certain cephalosporins. It is important to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent recurrence.
Preventing Future Infections
Adopting certain practices can reduce the likelihood of developing bladder infections during pregnancy. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps flush bacteria from the urinary system. Urinating frequently and completely emptying the bladder also prevents bacteria from multiplying.
Proper hygiene practices are beneficial. Wiping from front to back after using the toilet prevents bacteria from the bowel from entering the urethra. Urinating immediately before and after sexual activity can also clear any bacteria that may have entered the urethra. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding overly tight clothing helps maintain a dry environment, less conducive to bacterial growth.