If you are pregnant, you may be concerned about urinary tract infections or UTIs. These are common infections that can affect the bladder, urethra, and kidneys.

The good news is that UTIs are typically treatable and don’t usually cause any harm to your developing baby, as long as they are treated early on. However, untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications, so it’s important to be informed about the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for UTIs during pregnancy.

What are UTIs?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. These infections are typically caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, and without treatment, they can lead to serious health problems.

Signs and Symptoms of UTIs During Pregnancy

UTIs can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urges to urinate
Feeling like you need to urinate even when your bladder is empty
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen or back

Risk Factors for UTIs During Pregnancy

While anyone can get a UTI, there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including:.

Being female, since women have a shorter urethra that makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder
Being pregnant, since hormonal changes and pressure on your bladder can make it harder to completely empty your bladder and increase your risk of UTIs
Having a history of UTIs or urinary tract abnormalities
Using a diaphragm for birth control
Having diabetes or a weakened immune system

How UTIs are Diagnosed and Treated in Pregnancy

If you think you may have a UTI, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away. They will likely perform a urine test to check for bacteria in your urine.

If you do have a UTI, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics that are safe for you and your developing baby. It’s important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better, to make sure the infection is completely gone.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend some home remedies to help ease your symptoms, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding irritants like feminine hygiene sprays or douches.

Preventing UTIs During Pregnancy

There are several things you can do to help prevent UTIs during pregnancy, including:.

Drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract
Wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement to avoid spreading bacteria from your anus to your urinary tract
Urinating before and after sexual intercourse to help flush out bacteria
Avoiding using feminine hygiene sprays or douches
Changing your underwear daily and avoiding tight clothing that can trap moisture