Urinary Tract Infections

The sheer biology and anatomy of being pregnant makes you more prone to urinary tract infections. The uterus sits directly above the bladder and as it grows it begins to apply pressure to the bladder and in some cases can prevent the complete drainage of urine from the bladder. This is when UTIs can happen, when the bacteria in the urine sits in the bladder for too long. While the symptoms of a UTI are the same when you are pregnant and when you are not, pinpointing them may be difficult. Burning during urination is definitely a red flag and should be addressed immediately, however discomfort may just be a result of your current pregnant state. Additionally, frequent urination is a symptom of UTI but it can also result from the hormones working in your body to increase your blood volume and may result in the need to get up from sleep to pee, which is another common symptom of UTIs. Any change in the look or smell of your urine is also cause to contact your OB as this can be a sign of UTI as well as gestational diabetes. Pain during sex can also be a symptom of UTI but again could just be a symptom of the changes going on just above your vagina (by the way, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise, normal intercourse is completely fine throughout your pregnancy). Other symptoms include fever, chills, cramping, and tenderness in your lower abdomen. If you have even an inkling that you might have a UTI contact your OB/GYN as soon as possible. While it will not directly affect your baby, if you do not receive treatment that same bacteria causing the infection in your urinary tract can spread to your kidneys. Kidney infections may lead to premature labor in severe cases. You also do not want to self treat a UTI when pregnant, as the same techniques may not work, or may have adverse affects. You must keep in mind that while you are still “you” during pregnancy, your biology is vastly different and can react differently to medications and treatments.

Word of the Week

kidney – noun – Anatomy . either of a pair of bean-shaped organs in the back part of the abdominal cavity that form and excrete urine, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and act as endocrine glands. (www.dictionary.com)

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