A bladder infection, commonly known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary system. These infections are a frequent concern during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus, increasing susceptibility. While a simple, mild UTI usually does not directly lead to pregnancy loss, an untreated infection can progress to more serious complications, increasing the risk of miscarriage. With proper and timely medical attention, these risks are preventable.
How Bladder Infections Can Affect Pregnancy
Untreated bladder infections can pose a risk to a pregnancy by escalating from the lower urinary tract. If bacteria in the bladder are not eliminated, the infection can ascend to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can cause high fever, dehydration, and inflammation, which can stress the fetus. In severe cases, the infection can reach the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that greatly increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. A severe, untreated UTI can also spread to the uterus, causing inflammation or infection of the amniotic sac (chorioamnionitis), which can lead to fetal loss or preterm labor.
Identifying and Treating Infections
Recognizing bladder infection symptoms during pregnancy is important, as signs can be subtle or mistaken for typical pregnancy discomforts. Common symptoms include pain or a burning sensation during urination, an increased and urgent need to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Other indicators include lower abdominal pain, a feeling of bladder fullness after urinating, or blood in the urine. More severe symptoms, indicating the infection has spread, include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the lower back or side.
Prompt diagnosis through urine tests is standard practice during prenatal care to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria. Once a bladder infection is confirmed, immediate antibiotic treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider is important. Patients must complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent recurrence or worsening. Self-treating or delaying professional medical care can allow the infection to progress, increasing the risk of complications.
Preventing Bladder Infections in Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals can take several steps to reduce their risk of bladder infections. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps dilute urine and encourages frequent urination, flushing bacteria from the urinary system. Urinating promptly when the urge arises and completely emptying the bladder also helps prevent bacterial buildup. Practicing proper hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet, prevents bacteria from the anal region from entering the urethra.
Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse can flush out bacteria that enter the urethra. Avoiding irritating feminine products like douches, sprays, or powders also reduces the risk of irritation and infection. Regular prenatal check-ups include routine urine testing, allowing for early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infections before they cause serious problems.