Urinary Problems in Pregnancy
There are two common urinary problems in pregnancy. They are passing urine often and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bladder infections and kidney infections are two kinds of UTIs. Kidney infections often cause women to be in the hospital during pregnancy.
Passing Urine Often
Passing urine often is one of the first signs of pregnancy. It is normal during the first three months and during the last month.
Causes during the first three months:
- Pregnant women have a larger amount of body fluids.
- Their kidneys work better than usual.
Causes during the last month:
- The baby presses on the uterus.
- In turn, the uterus presses on the bladder.
Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary tract is made up of:
- Two kidneys. These filter the blood.
- Two ureters. Fluid from the kidneys flows through these straw-like tubes. The ureters take this fluid to the bladder. Now it is urine.
- The bladder. Holds urine until it is passed.
- The urethra. The opening where the urine comes out.
Bacteria can get into the urinary tract. A UTI can result. A lower UTI is called a bladder infection. If untreated, it can spread and cause a kidney infection. If certain bacteria are found in the urine, you should be treated for a UTI. A kidney infection can cause preterm labor or delivery.
Symptoms
- Strong need to pass urine
- Passing urine often, in small amounts
- Burning while passing urine
- Urine smells strong. Pain after passing urine.
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Pelvic pain. Lower backache.
- Fever and/or chills
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling sick to your stomach
You can have a UTI without these symptoms. Your urine is tested at your prenatal visits. Too much bacteria in your urine will show up then.