What is a Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy? What are the Symptoms?
Pregnancy is a special period in which the body experiences many changes. This process can also bring some health risks. Urinary tract infection is one of the common problems that can be encountered during pregnancy and can lead to serious complications if not intervened early.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy?
Urinary tract infection ( UTI) during pregnancy is a health problem in which the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract causes infection. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, and infection can develop in any part of this system, but in pregnancy, UTI usually affects the bladder and is called cystitis. If left untreated, UTI can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and lead to serious complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore, when symptoms of urinary tract infection are noticed during pregnancy, it is of great importance to consult a doctor immediately.
What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy?
Symptoms of urinary tract infection during pregnancy may vary depending on the severity and location of the infection.
- Frequent Urination: One of the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection during pregnancy is the feeling that the bladder is constantly full. This condition occurs as a result of infection in the urinary tract irritating the bladder.
- Burning or Pain When Urinating: Burning may occur due to irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract due to infection. The burning sensation is usually felt in the bladder or along the urinary canal and may increase in severity depending on the severity of the infection.
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Bacteria, pus or inflammatory cells in the urine due to infection can cause the urine to appear cloudy. At the same time, urinary tract infection can cause conditions such as
green discharge during pregnancy, causing urine to smell bad. - Pain or Pressure in the Lower Abdomen: The pain is usually in the form of a constant feeling of discomfort and may become more pronounced when urinating or trying to hold urine.
- Mild Fever or Chills: Mild fever usually occurs in the early stage of the infection. If left untreated, the fever can increase in severity and lead to serious complications. If tremor is a reaction of the body to infection and is accompanied by other UTI symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.
- Bloody Urine (Hematuria): Bloody urine is usually noticed by a pink, reddish or brownish discoloration. Hematuria should not be neglected, as it can be a serious symptom of infection.
How Does a Urinary Tract Infection Pass During Pregnancy?
Treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy begins with an accurate diagnosis. For this, urinalysis is usually performed and the bacteria causing the infection are detected. Urine culture determines which antibiotic will be most effective. During
What Causes Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the hormonal balance of the body changes, and the growing uterus puts pressure on the urinary tract. This slows down the flow of urine and creates an environment suitable for the growth of bacteria. The natural weakening of the immune system, especially during pregnancy, is another factor that increases the risk of infection. Urinary tract infection during pregnancy usually occurs when bacteria multiply in the urinary tract. The main causes of this condition are associated with the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, especially an increase in the level of progesterone, reduce the muscle tone of the urinary tract, slowing down the flow of urine. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. In addition, the growing uterus can put pressure on the urinary tract, causing urine to accumulate in the bladder. During pregnancy, the immune system is naturally slightly suppressed, which reduces the body’s resistance to infections. In addition, factors such as not paying attention to hygiene rules, long-term retention of urine or genetic predisposition can also increase the risk of infection. The passage of bacteria, especially in the stool, into the urinary tract is one of the common causes of UTIs. Therefore, hygiene and healthy functioning of the urinary tract are of great importance during pregnancy.
How is Urinary Tract Infection Treated During Pregnancy?
Medical treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy aims to quickly control the infection and protect the health of the mother and baby. “What is good for urinary tract infection during pregnancy?” The most common approach to treatment is the use of antibiotics that have been proven safe in pregnancy. Depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics that are considered safe during pregnancy. The duration of treatment usually ranges from 3 to 7 days. Regular use of antibiotics is important for the full treatment of the infection. After antibiotic treatment is completed, a urinalysis is done again to make sure that the infection is completely healed. In some cases, especially in the case of recurrent infections, doctors may order urine cultures at regular intervals. If the infection has spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), intravenous (intravenous) antibiotic treatment may be required, usually in hospital. This condition can manifest itself with symptoms such as high fever and severe pain, and early intervention is essential.
Does Urinary Tract Infection Cause Pain During Pregnancy?
A urinary tract infection can cause pain during pregnancy. In cases where the infection affects the bladder, a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the groin area or lower abdomen is frequent. This pain may intensify as the infection progresses and may present with a burning sensation. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, this can lead to more serious pain. Symptoms such as high fever, nausea and vomiting can be seen, usually along with severe pain in the lower back or lateral area. When such pains are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Early detection and treatment are critical to maintaining the health of both mother and baby.
Does a Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Urinary tract infection damages during pregnancy occur if the disease is not diagnosed and treated in time. Untreated UTI can lead to serious complications, such as the spread of infection to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). This condition can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and even, in rare cases, miscarriage. A particularly severe infection can affect the mother’s overall health and adversely affect the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby, but these risks can be largely prevented with good follow-up and appropriate antibiotic treatment. It is very important to consult a healthcare professional immediately when any signs of infection are noticed during pregnancy to protect the health of both mother and baby.
Does Urinary Tract Infection Cause Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Urinary tract infection during pregnancy can cause blood in the urine (hematuria) in some cases, but this usually occurs when the infection is severe. Infection in the urinary tract can lead to irritation of the bladder and urethra, which can result in slight bleeding in the urine. Vaginal bleeding, on the other hand, is a different condition and is usually not directly related to UTI.
Does Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy Cause Groin Pain?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy can cause groin pain. When an infection of the urinary tract affects the bladder (cystitis), a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the groin area is a common symptom. This pain is caused by inflammation caused by infection and irritation of the bladder wall. Groin pain is often accompanied by other UTI symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, frequent need to urinate, and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen. The intensity of the pain may increase due to the progression of the infection. If the pain is severe or the infection has spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), then in addition to groin pain, low back or flank pain may also be felt.
When any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately to stop the progression of the infection and find out, “How does a urinary tract infection go away during pregnancy?” Early diagnosis and treatment play a critical role in maintaining the health of both mother and baby.
