10 Early Signs of a Urine Infection During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a happy event that is accompanied by a large number of changes in the body of the expectant mother. During this time, the body of any woman becomes more sensitive to infections, for example, to urine infection. It is important for the pregnant woman to take care of herself and at the first signs of a UTI to contact a London best gynaecologist myGynaePlus for a competent examination by an experienced obstetrician who will help throughout the entire pregnancy.

A urine infection during pregnancy occurs in one in ten women. Timely treatment of the disease is important for the expectant mother and the baby, since the failure to comply with the prescribed therapy can lead to complications. This article will provide information about how to recognize urine infection in pregnancy in a timely manner.

Why Pregnant Women Are More Vulnerable to UTIs

Your body experiences incredible changes during pregnancy. Many of these changes are necessary to support and nourish your growing baby, but they also make you susceptible to urinary tract infections.

The hormones of pregnancy, especially progesterone, have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of your body, including the muscles of your urinary tract. This causes a decrease in ureteral tone and a slowing of urine flow. In addition, your uterus enlarges to accommodate your growing baby, and it presses directly against your bladder, making it difficult to completely empty.

The end result is that your urine remains in your system longer than it should. The longer urine sits in your body, the more opportunity there is for bacteria to grow. This state is known as urinary stasis and is the reason that pregnant women are so much more likely to get a urine infection during pregnancy.

In addition to urinary stasis, the expansion in blood volume during pregnancy also impacts the filtration rate of your kidneys and the composition of your urine. These factors, combined, result in the perfect storm for bacterial growth.

The 10 Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Recognising symptoms early can make all the difference. Here are the ten most common signs that you might have developed a urine infection during pregnancy.

1. Painful or Burning Sensation When Urinating

This symptom, medically termed dysuria, is often the first and most noticeable sign of infection. The burning sensation occurs when infected urine passes through your urethra. If you experience discomfort each time you visit the loo, contact your GP or midwife promptly.

2. Increased Urinary Frequency

Whilst needing to urinate more often is common in pregnancy, a sudden increase beyond your normal pattern may signal infection. If you find yourself rushing to the bathroom every few minutes but passing only small amounts of urine, this warrants medical attention.

3. Urgent Need to Urinate

A sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate that feels impossible to delay differs from normal pregnancy frequency. This urgency often accompanies other symptoms and indicates that bacteria may be irritating your bladder lining.

4. Cloudy or Dark Urine

Healthy urine appears clear and pale yellow. If your urine looks cloudy, murky, or unusually dark, this can indicate the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or other infection-related substances.

5. Strong or Foul-Smelling Urine

Infected urine often develops a distinctly unpleasant, strong odour that differs from the normal mild scent of urine. If you notice an unusual or particularly strong smell, mention this to your healthcare provider.

6. Blood in Your Urine

Seeing pink, red, or brown-tinged urine can be alarming. Blood in the urine, called haematuria, occurs when infection causes inflammation and irritation in your urinary tract. This symptom always requires immediate medical evaluation.

7. Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Discomfort

Many women report a feeling of pressure, cramping, or aching in the pelvic region or lower abdomen. This discomfort is distinct from normal pregnancy cramping and often feels more intense or persistent.

8. Bladder Incontinence or Leaking

Whilst some urine leakage is normal during pregnancy, a sudden increase or new onset of incontinence can signal infection. The infected bladder may become irritated and less able to retain urine properly.

9. General Feeling of Being Unwell

You might experience fatigue, weakness, or a general sense that something isn't quite right. Whilst pregnancy itself can make you tired, infection-related fatigue often feels more pronounced and comes on suddenly.

10. Lower Back or Side Pain

Pain in your lower back or sides, particularly around your kidneys, can indicate that infection has spread beyond your bladder. This symptom requires urgent attention, as kidney infections during pregnancy need immediate treatment.

When Symptoms Indicate a More Serious Infection

Some symptoms suggest that infection has progressed from your bladder to your kidneys. Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, represent a more serious condition requiring immediate medical care.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)

• Chills or shaking

• Nausea or vomiting

• Severe back or side pain, particularly on one side

• Confusion or mental changes

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or consult the best gynaecologists immediately, or visit your nearest A&E department. Kidney infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including preterm labour and low birth weight.

Understanding Different Types of UTIs in Pregnancy

Medical professionals classify urinary tract infections based on where the infection occurs in your urinary system.

1. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria occurs when bacteria are present in your urine without causing noticeable symptoms. Approximately seven per cent of pregnant women develop this condition. Screening at your first antenatal appointment at clinics like myGynaePlus can detect this silent infection before it progresses.

2. Cystitis affects your bladder and produces the classic UTI symptoms: painful urination, frequent trips to the bathroom, and bladder discomfort. This is the most commonly recognised form of urine infection during pregnancy.

3. Pyelonephritis involves kidney infection and represents the most serious type. Symptoms include all the signs of cystitis plus fever, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. This condition requires immediate medical attention and often hospitalisation for intravenous antibiotics.

   
   

Risk Factors That Increase Your Vulnerability

Some conditions make you more likely to develop a urine infection in pregnancy.

If you've had a urinary tract infection in the past you're more likely to get another one. Tell your midwife or obstetrician if you've had urinary tract infections in the past at your first visit, so they can arrange urine tests to scan for early in pregnancy. Diabetes before pregnancy also makes you more at risk. Bacteria can grow on high levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Weak pelvic floor muscles can also cause a urine infection. If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, they might not be able to completely empty your bladder. If you have any bacteria left in your bladder, they can multiply.

Sexual intercourse, especially if you have intercourse more than three times a week, can introduce bacteria into your urethra (tube through which urine passes). Sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait also increases your risk of developing a urine infection in pregnancy, so you will need to be monitored more closely.

How Healthcare Providers Diagnose UTIs in Pregnancy

You’ll have some tests if you think you may have an infection. These will determine whether you have an infection, and which bacteria have caused it.

You’ll first be asked to provide a clean-catch urine sample. Your provider will test the sample for bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells. They can get a quick indication of infection with a simple urinalysis.

A urine culture test confirms the results. It identifies the bacteria responsible for your infection. Urine culture takes longer than urinalysis. Usually 24 to 48 hours, but you get accurate information to use in selecting the most effective antibiotic for treatment.

At regular antenatal visits, myGynaePlus will include urine testing as part of standard care. We’ll screen you for asymptomatic infections before you show any symptoms.

Prevention Strategies That Really Work

While complete prevention isn’t always possible, the following steps can significantly reduce the risk of urinary infections during pregnancy:

• Stay well hydrated: Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily to help flush bacteria from the urinary system. Unsweetened cranberry juice may help, but water is the best option.

• Don’t hold urine: Urinate as soon as you feel the urge. Holding urine allows bacteria to multiply. Ensure your bladder is fully emptied each time—take your time and don’t rush.

• Follow proper hygiene practices: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.

• Urinate around sexual activity: Empty your bladder before and after intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may enter the urinary tract.

• Choose breathable clothing: Wear cotton underwear and change it daily. Avoid tight trousers or leggings that trap moisture.

• Avoid harsh products: Skip scented soaps, douches, and feminine hygiene sprays, as they can disrupt the natural bacterial balance.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Limit refined sugars that encourage bacterial growth and take prenatal vitamins as advised by your healthcare provider.

  
  

Why Timely Treatment Matters for You and Your Baby

If untreated, a urinary tract infection can travel to the kidneys and cause an infection there. A kidney infection during pregnancy can lead to preterm labour, low birth weight and can, in rare cases, cause sepsis or breathing difficulties.

The good news is that urine infection in pregnancy rarely affects your baby when it is treated promptly. Antibiotics that are prescribed during pregnancy are thoroughly tested and safe to take. Your healthcare provider will probably ask you to provide a urine sample one or two weeks after finishing treatment to ensure the infection is gone. If symptoms reoccur, get in touch with your doctor straight away. You may require another antibiotic or a longer course.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Don't hesitate to contact your midwife, GP, or obstetrician if you experience any symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Early intervention prevents complications and ensures the best outcomes for both you and your baby.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

• High fever

• Severe back or side pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Signs of preterm labour

• Any symptoms that worsen despite treatment

Remember that healthcare providers expect these calls during pregnancy. Your concerns are valid, and professional guidance ensures you receive appropriate care when you need it most. You can also book an appointment with a trusted specialist here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a urine infection during pregnancy harm my baby?

When treated promptly, bladder infections typically don't harm your baby. Left untreated, infections can progress to the kidneys and potentially cause complications such as preterm labour or low birth weight. This is why early detection and treatment are so important. Your doctor will prescribe pregnancy-safe antibiotics that effectively treat the infection without harming your developing baby.

How often should I be tested for urinary tract infections whilst pregnant?

Standard practice includes urine testing at your first antenatal appointment to screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Your midwife or doctor may test your urine at subsequent appointments if you have symptoms or risk factors such as previous UTIs or diabetes. Women with recurrent infections or certain medical conditions like sickle cell disease may require monthly testing throughout pregnancy.

Can I prevent UTIs naturally without medication?

Whilst no natural method guarantees prevention, several strategies can significantly reduce your risk. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining good hygiene practices, urinating before and after intercourse, and wearing breathable cotton underwear all help. However, if you develop an infection, you need antibiotic treatment. Natural remedies alone cannot cure a bacterial infection during pregnancy, and delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.

Are all antibiotics safe to take during pregnancy for UTIs?

Not all antibiotics are suitable during pregnancy, which is why you should only take medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. Commonly prescribed pregnancy-safe antibiotics include amoxicillin, certain cephalosporins, and penicillin. Your doctor will select an antibiotic based on the specific bacteria causing your infection and your stage of pregnancy. Never take leftover antibiotics or medications prescribed for someone else.

What's the difference between frequent urination from pregnancy and a UTI?

Normal pregnancy-related frequent urination develops gradually as your uterus grows and places pressure on your bladder. It typically doesn't cause pain, burning, or urgency that feels impossible to control. UTI-related frequency comes on suddenly, often accompanied by burning during urination, strong odours, cloudy urine, or pelvic discomfort. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are normal, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.