It’s normal to urinate more often while you’re pregnant. But if you have pain or a burning sensation during urination, feel the need to go again right after urinating, or notice blood in your urine, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

It’s more dangerous to leave a UTI, as at its worst it can cause kidney issues and miscarriage”.

Any infection of the cervix, vagina, or a sexually transmitted infection (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes) can cause bleeding in the first trimester.

Between 2 and 10 percent of pregnant women experience a UTI….Signs and symptoms of a UTI include:

• burning or painful urination.
• cloudy or blood-tinged urine.
• pelvic or lower back pain.
• frequent urination.
• feeling that you have to urinate frequently.
• fever.
• nausea or vomiting.

UTI symptoms Burning sensation during urination. More frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate (though frequent urination during pregnancy alone is common and harmless) Intense urge to urinate while the amount of urine expelled is small. Cloudy, dark, bloody or foul-smelling urine.

After all, research suggests that about 18 percent of UTIs that occur during pregnancy are symptomatic UTIs, meaning the telltale UTI signs and symptoms are present: Strong and frequent urge to use the bathroom. Burning while urinating. Regularly passing only small amounts of urine.

Drinking plenty of water: This dilutes the urine and helps flush out bacteria that may be present. Avoiding drinks that may irritate the bladder: Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juice or caffeine may irritate your bladder and perpetuate excessive urinating.

How will a UTI affect my baby? If the UTI goes untreated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor and low birth weight. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, the UTI will not cause harm to your baby.

Treatments

1. A 3-day course of antibiotics may be necessary to treat a UTI during pregnancy.
2. According to a 2015 review , studies show that both nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are generally safe during the second and third trimesters.

Over-the-counter treatments for UTI in pregnancy Phenazopyridine (Azo, Pyridium, or Uricalm) is an over-the-counter medication that helps relieve pain in the urinary tract during a UTI. While it can make you feel better, it is important to remember that this medication only covers up the symptoms of a UTI.

Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system. The best way to get the infection out of the system is by drinking liquids until the urine is clear and the stream is forceful.

Symptoms of UTIs

• A burning feeling when you pee.
• A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do.
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee.
• Feeling tired or shaky.
• Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen.

How long does a UTI last untreated? Some UTIs will go away on their own in as little as 1 week. However, UTIs that do not go away on their own will only get worse over time. If you think you have a UTI, speak with a doctor about the best course of action.

Infection can spread up the urinary tract to the kidneys, or uncommonly the kidneys may become infected through bacteria in the bloodstream. Chills, fever, back pain, nausea, and vomiting can occur. Urine and sometimes blood and imaging tests are done if doctors suspect pyelonephritis.

Most healthcare providers recommend contacting your doctor as soon as you notice bladder infection symptoms or urinary tract infection symptoms. You should also see your healthcare provider if you get frequent UTIs. If you have three or more urinary tract infections in 12 months, call your doctor.

Burning sensation or pain when urinating. Nausea and vomiting. Pus or blood in your urine (hematuria) Urine that smells bad or is cloudy.

When to go to the ER for UTI Symptoms If your symptoms have progressed to the point of lethargy, pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and/or blood in the urine, you need to get to the nearest Advance ER right away.