UTI During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Risks And Treatment

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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the urinary tract. Escherichia coli (E.coli) is the most common bacteria responsible for the condition (1) (2). UTI during pregnancy is common, with about eight percent incidence (3) due to hormonal changes and urinary stasisⁱXUrinary retention due to incomplete emptying of the bladder from increased pressure of the growing uterus (2). The infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics upon early diagnosis. But, if left untreated, it can cause severe complications for the mother and the baby. Learn all about UTIs in pregnancy and ways to help prevent complications.

In This Article

Risk Of UTIs By Pregnancy Trimester

The risk of UTIs is the highest between weeks six and 24 due to the changes in the urinary tract (1). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of UTIs occur in the first trimester, followed by the second with half the occurrences and the third with 11.8% (3).

Symptoms Of UTI In Pregnancy

Frequent urgency to pee during pregnancy

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UTIs during pregnancy may either be symptomatic or asymptomatic. According to performed research, two to seven percent of pregnant women with UTIs are asymptomatic (2). The common symptoms of UTI during pregnancy include (1):

Burning sensation or pain while peeing
Frequent urgency to urinate
Disturbed sleep due to an increased frequency of urination
Passing of blood or mucus with urine
Lower abdominal painor cramps
Urinary incontinenceⁱXUnintentional urine leakage due to the loss of bladder control accompanied by fever, chills, and sweats
Sudden increase or decrease in the amount of urine
Foul-smelling urine with a cloudy appearance
Nausea, vomiting, and back pain if the infection affects the kidneys
Painful sexual intercourse

You should call your doctor upon experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Causes Of UTI In Pregnancy

Although UTI may happen to pregnant and non-pregnant individuals, certain factors may increase the risk of its occurrence in pregnancy. Some common causes are:

Pregnancy hormone:Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles and causes urinary tract dilation. This enables urinary stasis by helping prevent complete emptying of the bladder while peeing (2) (4).
Uterus size: The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine retention while peeing (5). Urinary retention leads to bacterial growth (4).

Caution

The longer the urine stays stagnant in the body, the more time it gives bacteria to grow (4).

Other risk factors

Hygiene practices:The common UTI-causing bacteria E. coli and other microorganisms are present in the stool (5). Thus, you may increase the risk of contracting UTI if you wipe yourself from back to front after defecating (4).
Underlying conditions: Some conditions, such as sickle cell anemiaⁱXAn inherited blood disorder that alters the morphology of red blood cells and gestational diabetesⁱXPregnancy-induced diabetes put you at an increased risk for UTI as these conditions lower the body’s disease-fighting capacity (4).

UTI Diagnosis In Pregnancy

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The doctor may begin with your health history and physical examination (6). Then, they may recommend a urine test to look for disease-causing bacteria and white and red blood cells (5). Since UTIs are common in pregnancy, a urine culture test is usually a part of the prenatal checkups carried out in the first prenatal visit or at 12 to 16 weeks pregnant (7).

Did you know?

Not all urine tests during pregnancy are for checking UTIs. In the third trimester, urine samples may be taken to check for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea(4).

Treatment Of UTI In Early Pregnancy

Antibiotics treatment for UTI during pregnancy

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UTI in early pregnancy is commonly treated with a three- to seven-day course of oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, if the infection recurs, you may be given a longer course of antibiotics with lower doses (2) (4).

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, the antibiotics need to be administered intravenously at the hospital (4).

Experts say

According to ACOG, the commonly used UTI antibiotics sulfonamides and nitrofurantoin may be used after ruling out other antimicrobial therapies since the former may increase the risk of congenital disabilities (3).

Complications Of UTI In Pregnancy

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UTI may cause complications in pregnancy if left untreated in the early stages. Some of them include (1) (5):

Kidney infections, which may lead to premature labor and low birth weight
Anemia
Prolonged severe infection

In extreme cases, untreated UTI may cause fetal death (5). These complications can be prevented if you are mindful of the early symptoms.

Quick fact

Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection caused by UTI, is considered the most severe health condition in pregnancy (2).

Prevention Of UTI In Pregnancy

Although it may not be possible to prevent UTI completely, you may lower your risks by following these measures (1):

Drink six to eight glasses of water each day
Avoid refined foods, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and fruit juices
Consume unsweetened cranberry juice regularly
Take vitamin C, zinc, and beta-carotene supplements to increase immunity
Do not hold the urge to pee
Clean your genital area by blotting it dry and avoiding rubbing
Ensure to pee before and after sexual intercourse
Prefer cotton underwear and change them regularly
Avoid harsh soaps, douchesⁱXWashing or cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or mixture of fluids. , antiseptic creams, and feminine hygiene products
Avoid tight-fitting pants
Do not soak yourself in a bathtub for more than 30 minutes or more than twice a day

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a UTI cause contractions during pregnancy?

If UTI causes pyelonephritis (kidney infection), toxins released from bacteria may cause uterine contractions, leading to premature labor (2).

2. Can UTIs affect pregnancy tests?

UTI with high white and red blood cells and nitrite levels may sometimes result in a false positive pregnancy test (8).

UTI during pregnancy is common but treatable. However, it may lead to severe consequences if left untreated. So, expectant mothers should be vigilant in identifying the initial symptoms of a UTI and seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help prevent complications, such as preterm labor and low birth weight. Thus, it is essential to stay aware and take the necessary preventative measures to avoid infection for a healthier and safer pregnancy.

Infographic: Tips To Help Prevent UTI In Pregnancy

Although urinary tract infection in pregnancy is seldom alarming if treated on time, its symptoms can be uncomfortable and interfere with a healthy and happy pregnancy. This infographic discusses useful measures and tips to help you prevent contracting the infection and thereby avoid possible complications. Scroll down to learn more about it.

tips to help prevent uti in pregnancy (infographic)

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Key Pointers

UTI is a common infection in pregnancy that occurs due to increased progesterone levels and growing uterus size.
Common symptoms include a burning sensation while peeing, frequent urination, and low stomach pain.
It is harmless as long as it is diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics.
Untreated UTI in pregnancy may cause premature labor and low birth weight.
Drinking plenty of water, taking immunity-boosting supplements, and following proper hygiene measures can help manage UTIs.

References:

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