7 UTI Symptoms Pregnant Women Often Mistake for Normal Discomfort

Pregnancy takes a toll on the body with different kinds of aches, more frequent visits to the bathroom, new yet strange sensations, and hormone changes that seem to affect every little thing in your body. Since most of these changes come across as “normal,” a lot of pregnant women don’t realise that they are actually in the early stages of urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. However, a urinary tract infection during pregnancy is not a matter to be taken lightly. If it gets out of hand. It can quickly turn into a serious situation and cause complications that require medical intervention.

Here are the seven UTI symptoms that pregnant women often ignore or confuse with normal pregnancy discomfort.

1. Frequent Urination That Feels ‘Normal’ for Pregnancy

A more frequent need to urinate is among the major UTI symptoms during pregnancy. Still, frequent urination during pregnancy can also be the result of natural changes in the body, such as hormonal shifts and the growing uterus pressing on the bladder.

In a situation with a urinary infection during pregnancy, you can feel that you have to urinate quickly and persistently, even when your bladder is almost empty. Also, this urgency usually comes with discomfort or a lingering pressure sensation in the area after urination.

2. Burning Sensation During Urination in Pregnancy

Most women believe that vaginal irritation during pregnancy is the result of hormones or dehydration. Nevertheless, a burning sensation during urination in pregnancy should be considered a warning sign for a UTI.

Not even the mildest burning should go unnoticed. In fact, it usually indicates that bacteria are irritating the lining of the urinary tract.

3. Lower Abdominal Pain Brushed Off as Pregnancy Cramps

Mild cramping can indeed be part of pregnancy as the ligaments are stretching and the organs are shifting. The lower abdominal pain in pregnancy UTI, however, is usually different because it is more pointed, persistent, or accompanied.

In case the pain is located around the pelvis or bladder and is getting worse before or after urination, then it might be that the pain is not pregnancy-related.

4. Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine That Gets Overlooked

Prenatal vitamins, hydration levels, or dietary changes can change the colour or smell of your urine. Cloudy urine during pregnancy—especially if it has an unusually strong odor—should be considered a sign of urinary tract infection.

There is also the possibility that you will notice small pieces of mucus or sediment.

5. Vaginal Irritation or Discomfort Misread as Hormonal Changes

Dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity can all be caused by hormones, which is why many women take these symptoms as pregnancy-related. However, vaginal irritation during pregnancy with urinary discomfort is most likely a sign of a UTI.

In case the irritation is sudden or gets worse after urinating, then it is definitely worth seeing a doctor.

6. Fatigue and Body Aches Attributed to Pregnancy Tiredness

Every pregnant woman experiences fatigue, but the situation can get worse if the woman also has an infection, such as a UTI. When the body is engaged in a fight against bacteria, it deprives the person of energy.

If the tiredness comes together with chills, back pain, or an overall ‘unwell’ feeling, then it is likely to be more than just pregnancy fatigue. In some instances, the infection may be on its way to the kidneys.

7. Discomfort That Feels Like Pelvic Pressure or “Baby Pushing Down”

You may expect pelvic heaviness as the baby is growing. However, the difference between UTI pain and pregnancy discomfort is that the latter is usually quite different. UTI-related pelvic pressure typically:

• Feels like being pushed hard

• Is worse when you have just emptied your bladder

• Makes the area around the bladder feel heavy and swollen

In case such pressure is accompanied by urinary urgency or burning, then it is a strong indication of a pregnancy UTI.

When to Seek Help?

If you are wondering whether the early signs you notice that something might be wrong with your urinary tract are a UTI, and you are pregnant, then you should see a doctor without wasting time. If left unattended, a urinary tract infection can make the patient susceptible to kidney problems and cause preterm labour or low birth weight. Your physician can determine if you have a UTI with a simple urine test and thus prescribe a safe-for-pregnancy medication.

Bottom  Line

Apart from the inconvenience that pregnancy already is, it is of utmost importance to refrain from turning a blind eye to those symptoms which only feel “a bit off”. By recognising these pregnancy UTI signs, you can be the safety net not only for yourself but also for your baby. If unsure, always have it checked—your body’s signals are important, even the tiniest ones.