Pregnancy burdens the body with different aches and pains, more frequent bathroom visits, new but strange sensations, and hormonal changes that seem to affect every little thing in your body. Since most of these changes are considered “normal,” many pregnant women do not realize that they are actually in the early stages of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. However, a UTI during pregnancy is not something to be taken lightly. If it gets out of control. It can quickly turn into a serious condition and cause complications that require medical intervention.
Here are seven UTI symptoms that pregnant women often ignore or mistake for normal pregnancy discomfort.
1. Frequent urination that feels “normal” for pregnancy
An increased need to urinate is one of the main symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy. However, frequent urination during pregnancy can also be a result of physical changes in the body, such as hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.
In a UTI situation during pregnancy, you may feel the need to urinate quickly and persistently, even when your bladder is almost empty. Also, this urgency is usually accompanied by discomfort or a lingering feeling of pressure in the area after urination.
2. Burning sensation during urination in pregnancy
Most women believe that vaginal irritation during pregnancy is a result of hormones or dehydration. However, a burning sensation during urination in pregnancy should be considered a warning sign of a UTI.
Even the mildest burn should not go unnoticed. In fact, it usually indicates that bacteria are irritating the lining of the urinary tract.
3. Lower abdominal pain disappeared as pregnancy cramps
Mild cramps may indeed be part of pregnancy as ligaments stretch and organs shift. Lower abdominal pain in UTI of pregnancy, however, is usually different because it is sharper, persistent, or accompanied.
If the pain is located around the pelvis or bladder and worsens before or after urination, then the pain may not be related to pregnancy.
4. Cloudy or strong-smelling urine that is overlooked
Prenatal vitamins, hydration levels, or dietary changes can change the color or smell of your urine. Cloudy urine during pregnancy—especially if it has an unusually strong odor—should be considered a sign of a UTI.
You may also notice small pieces of mucus or sediment.
5. Vaginal irritation or discomfort Misinterpreted as hormonal changes
Dryness, itching and sensitivity can be caused by hormones, so many women mistake these symptoms for pregnancy. However, vaginal irritation during pregnancy with urinary discomfort is most likely a sign of a UTI.
In case the irritation is sudden or worsens after urination, then it is definitely worth visiting a doctor.
6. Fatigue and body aches attributed to fatigue during pregnancy
Every pregnant woman experiences fatigue, but the condition can worsen if the woman also has an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. When the body is busy fighting bacteria, it robs the person of energy.
If the fatigue is accompanied by chills, back pain, or a general feeling of being “unwell,” then it’s likely to be more than just pregnancy fatigue. In some cases, the infection may be on its way to the kidneys.
7. Discomfort that feels like pelvic pressure or “baby pushing down”
You can expect pelvic weight as the baby grows. However, the difference between the pain of a UTI and the discomfort of pregnancy is that the latter is usually quite different. Pelvic pressure associated with UTI usually:
- He feels as if he is being pushed hard
- It’s worse when you’ve just emptied your bladder
- It makes the area around the bladder feel heavy and swollen
In case such pressure is accompanied by urinary urgency or burning, then it is a strong indication of pregnancy urinary infection.
When to seek help?
If you are wondering if the early signs you are noticing that something might be wrong with your urinary system is a UTI and you are pregnant, then you should see a doctor without wasting time. If left unattended, a UTI can make the patient susceptible to kidney problems and cause premature labor or low birth weight. Your doctor can determine if you have a UTI with a simple urine test and thus prescribe a pregnancy-safe medication.
Bottom line
Aside from the hassle that pregnancy is already, it is of the utmost importance to avoid turning a blind eye to those symptoms that feel “a little off”. By recognizing these signs of pregnancy UTI, you can be the safety net not only for you but also for your baby. If you’re not sure, always check – your body’s signals are important, even the tiniest ones.
