A urinary tract infection during pregnancy is more common than many women think. However, it is not always recognized immediately, because the symptoms can feel different than outside of pregnancy. While a urinary tract infection is normally noticed quickly, a pregnant woman may experience less typical symptoms, but the consequences can be greater. That is why it is important to take the signs seriously, test in time, and treat if necessary.
Why do you get a urinary tract infection more easily when you are pregnant?
During pregnancy, a lot changes in your body. Under the influence of the hormone progesterone, the muscles of the urinary tract relax. This makes it easier for bacteria to crawl up towards the bladder. In addition, the growing uterus presses on the bladder, causing urine to linger more quickly.
That is exactly the combination that increases the risk of a urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
What does a urinary tract infection during pregnancy feel like? (And why it can be different)
You often recognize a typical urinary tract infection by:
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burning sensation when urinating
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frequent urination in small amounts
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pain in the lower abdomen
But during pregnancy, the symptoms can be much more subtle. Think of:
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vague, gnawing lower abdominal pain
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a feeling of pressure on the bladder
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needing to urinate more often without pain
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mild back pain
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cloudy or strongly smelling urine
Some women have no symptoms at all, even though there is an infection. We call this asymptomatic bacteriuria. Without treatment, this can lead to a kidney infection, and that is dangerous.
Why a urinary tract infection during pregnancy must always be treated
An untreated urinary tract infection during pregnancy can:
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cause a kidney infection
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trigger early labor
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increase the risk of premature birth
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cause high fever and dehydration
That is why during pregnancy it is always advised to have your urine checked as soon as there are symptoms. Sometimes antibiotics are needed to prevent complications, and that is safe and sensible in this situation.
What helps with a urinary tract infection during pregnancy?
1. Drink plenty of water
At least 1.5–2 liters per day helps flush bacteria out of the bladder. The more you drink, the better the bladder can clean itself.
2. Urinate more often
Don't hold it. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge and consciously set aside time for this during the day.
3. Warm compress on the lower abdomen
This relieves the tension and the gnawing feeling in the bladder.
4. Get enough rest
A urinary tract infection is a sign that your immune system is weakened. Rest helps your body recover.
5. Test when you have doubts
Many women think: “This must be part of pregnancy.” But it doesn't have to be. If in doubt: have your urine checked.
How can you prevent a urinary tract infection during pregnancy?
Prevention is even more important during this phase. These are proven effective ways:
1. Drink water throughout the day
Staying hydrated is the foundation. Pay particular attention on warm days or during exercise.
2. Always urinate immediately after sex
This removes bacteria that could otherwise enter the bladder through the urethra.
3. Wear cotton and avoid tight clothing
This reduces heat and moisture, exactly the conditions in which bacteria grow.
4. Avoid scented products in the intimate area
Soaps, wipes, and perfumes can disrupt the vaginal flora, causing infections to develop more quickly.
5. Strengthen your immune system with bio-active vitamins
A healthy bladder starts with a strong immune system and good cell protection. Because of this, bio-active vitamins are extremely important to strengthen your immune system.
The role of pregnancy vitamins in urinary tract infections
During pregnancy, your immune system is differently tuned: strong enough to protect you, but softer so as not to reject your baby. Because of this, you are more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Good vitamins and minerals play a crucial role here, because they strengthen your immune system and support your bladder health.
Bio-active and well-absorbed vitamins ensure that your body can react faster and more effectively to bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection. They support, among other things:
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White blood cells, which detect and clear bacteria
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The mucous membranes of the bladder and urinary tract, so that bacteria can attach more easily
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Anti-inflammatory processes, so that an infection is less likely to get out of hand
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Antioxidant protection, with which harmful substances that can worsen inflammation are neutralized
Vitamins such as folate (in bio-active form), vitamin C, vitamin D3, magnesium bisglycinate, and omega-3 all contribute to a stronger immune system and better resistance against urinary tract infections.
That is why high-quality pregnancy vitamins, such as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester supplements from MomPwdr, are so valuable. They contain only active forms of these important vitamins, so your body can use them immediately during a period in which your immune system needs extra support.
When should you contact your midwife?
Contact your midwife when you:
- have a fever
- feel back pain or flank pain
- see blood in the urine
- can no longer urinate properly
- feel sick or chilly
- Have persistent gnawing pain in the middle of your lower abdomen
- Suspect that you have a urinary tract infection
- Are more than 20 weeks pregnant and have doubts
During pregnancy, it is always better to test 3 times too often than 1 time too little. So if in doubt, always contact your midwife.
