Why Pregnancy Increases UTI Risk and How to Prevent It?

A urinary tract infection (UTI), often known as a bladder infection, is a bacterial infection that affects the urethra. UTI during pregnancy is common between weeks 6 and 24 due to changes in the urinary system.

UTI is a curable disease with proper medications and treatment. In this blog, we will be discussing the meaning of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), its symptoms, causes and treatments during pregnancy. 

What is UTI in Pregnancy?

The UTI is a urinary tract-related infection. It can affect several areas of the urinary tract, including pyelonephritis and cystitis. The bacteria typically originate in the gut (digestive system) and go to the urinary tract.

Bacteria can be discovered in the urinary tract even when no symptoms of infection exist. This is referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Your doctor or midwife will test for this during your first trimester of pregnancy by requesting a urine sample.

Having bacteria in your urinary tract is common during pregnancy. However, even if you do not have any symptoms, your doctor will recommend medication to protect you and your baby.

UTIs can harm anyone, pregnant or not. If you are pregnant, you have a 1-in-10 chance of developing UTI. It is the most frequent infection during pregnancy. If you have UTI while pregnant, you are more likely to develop more serious infections.

Types of UTI

The uterus rests immediately on top of the bladder. As the uterus expands, its weight can obstruct urine drainage from the bladder, leading to urinary tract infection during pregnancy. Several kinds of urinary tract infections might harm your urinary system:

1. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB): It is usually caused by bacteria that were in your body before you became pregnant. As it does not show any noticeable symptoms, it is commonly detected through a routine urine test during the first prenatal visit.
2. Cystitis: It affects your bladder, which holds your urine.
3. Urethritis: It involves the tube that carries urine out of your body. The tube is called the urethra.
4. Pyelonephritis: It is the most common type in pregnant women. It tends to attack your kidneys.

Why Does Pregnancy Increase UTI Risk?

UTI disease is primarily caused by bacteria developed during pregnancy, in the urinary tract. During pregnancy, the uterus grows to accommodate the developing fetus. This enlargement exerts pressure on the bladder and ureters. The ureters are tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

During pregnancy, your urine becomes less acidic and includes more proteins, carbohydrates, and hormones. This combination of factors raises the likelihood of a UTI arising.

Women are also prone to UTIs during and after childbirth. During labour, bacteria are more likely to enter the urinary tract. A woman may have bladder irritation and oedema after giving birth, increasing the likelihood of a UTI.

What are the UTI Symptoms During Pregnancy?

If you have a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, you will experience the symptoms given below:

1. Pain in the pelvic area when urinating
2. Burning sensation when urinating
3. Presence of blood in the urine
4. Pain during sexual intercourse
5. Hint of mucus in the urine
6. Fever, nausea or chills
7. Cramps in the lower abdomen
8. Change in the amount of urine
9. Waking up from sleep to urinate
10. Need to urinate more often than usual
11. Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul or is unusually strong
12. Pain, pressure or tenderness in the area of the bladder

What are the Complications of UTIs During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy raises your chances of getting urinary tract infections. During pregnancy, the urinary tract alters as your uterus expands. The extra pressure and weight of your uterus on the bladder can prevent urine from flowing, providing a great home for bacteria.

Pregnancy also weakens the immune system, which is your body's general defence against illness. This increases your risk of infection, including UTIs.

1. Pregnancy increases the likelihood that a bladder infection will progress to a kidney infection. Kidney inflammation during pregnancy can be dangerous and create complications for both you and your baby.
2. Pre-eclampsia is a dangerous condition that develops during pregnancy. It raises blood pressure and can harm several organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.
3. A kidney infection can result in sepsis (severe illness), blood pressure issues and kidney damage.
4. If left untreated, it can cause major complications for you or your baby. However, early treatment prevents these difficulties.

How is UTI Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

Your healthcare professional can diagnose UTI based on a urine sample. The sample is tested for microorganisms in a laboratory. This can be accomplished by observing if bacteria grow or by examining the material under a microscope.

Your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and will do a physical test.

Every pregnant woman will be offered a urine test, usually at her first antenatal visit or shortly after. This is a common screening test that can detect an illness even if you do not have any symptoms.

You may need to repeat the urine test if:

1. There is a history of UTI.
2. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are present.
3. The previous urine sample did not give clear or conclusive results.
4. Test results indicate a high risk of developing UTI.

UTI Treatment During Pregnancy

UTIs during pregnancy are usually treated with medications that are considered safe for both the mother and the baby. Based on the urine test results, the doctor prescribes the appropriate antibiotic and dosage.

In some cases, treatment may begin immediately and be adjusted later once the reports are available. If infections are frequent or bacteria continue to appear in urine samples, higher-dose antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventive measure, known as prophylaxis.

After completing the course, a follow-up urine test may be advised to confirm that the infection has cleared.

To stay worry-free during this phase, comprehensive health insurance plans from Bajaj General Insurance can help cover hospitalisation, medicines and post-hospitalisation expenses.

How to Prevent UTI During Pregnancy?

You may do everything correctly and still get urinary tract infection, but you can lower your chances by performing the following:

1. Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day and consume unsweetened cranberry juice on a regular basis.
2. Avoid processed foods, fruit juices, coffee, alcohol and sugar.
3. To help fight infection, take 250 to 500 mg of vitamin C, 25,000 to 50,000 IU of beta-carotene and 30-50 mg of zinc each day.
4. Make it a practice to urinate as soon as you feel the need and make sure to thoroughly empty your bladder when you do.
5. Urinate before and after intercourse.
6. Avoid having intercourse while being treated for UTI.
7. After urinating, blot dry (without rubbing) and keep your urinary tract area clean. Make sure to wipe from front to back.
8. Do not use harsh soaps, douches, antiseptic creams or feminine hygiene liquids.
9. Change your underwear every day.
10. Wear underwear made entirely of cotton.
11. Avoid wearing tight pants.
12. Do not soak in the bathtub for more than 30 minutes.

The Bottom Line

UTIs are common during pregnancy and are usually not serious when treated on time. Women who experience symptoms of UTI during pregnancy should consult their doctor right away.

Untreated, UTIs can lead to serious consequences for both the pregnant woman and the growing fetus. Prompt intervention can help avoid complications. Routine pregnancy checks aid in detecting the early stages of UTI.

In addition, do not forget that a comprehensive health insurance plan can help you cover all of your pregnancy-related expenses. Check out our plans now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know if I have UTI during pregnancy?

A urinalysis can detect a urinary tract infection throughout pregnancy.

Does UTI affect the baby during pregnancy?

No, UTI does not affect the baby. However, if the bacteria affect the kidney and develop a kidney infection, it may harm the fetus.

Can I treat UTI at home?

No, you can not treat UTI at home. If you suspect having UTI, contact your healthcare professional to be fully cured of it.

What is the recovery time of UTI during pregnancy?

The general recovery time for UTI is 5-7 weeks for pregnant women. However, if you have other pregnancy-related complications, it can take more time to get a full recovery.

Could UTI cause miscarriage?

No, UTI does not cause miscarriage in the baby. However, UTI can cause kidney damage, which can lead to several pregnancy-related complications.

**Standard T&C apply.

Disclaimer: Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.