Pregnancy and Bladder Infections: An Introduction
A bladder infection is also known as a
urinary tract infection (
UTI). Although pregnant women are not prone to developing a bladder infection, a bladder infection during pregnancy is more likely to become a serious matter than a bladder infection that occurs in a woman who is not pregnant.
Bladder Infections and the Kidneys
When a bladder infection does occur in a pregnant woman, it is more likely to travel to the kidneys. Approximately 2 to 4 percent of pregnant women will develop a kidney infection.
Scientists attribute
urinary tract infections that go to the kidneys to hormonal changes and shifts in the position of the urinary tract during pregnancy, which make it easier for bacteria to travel up the ureters to the kidneys. For this reason, many healthcare providers recommend periodic testing of urine during pregnancy.
Treating a Bladder Infection During Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant and develop a bladder infection should receive prompt treatment to avoid premature delivery of the baby and other risks, such as
high blood pressure.
Some antibiotics are not safe to take during pregnancy. Therefore, healthcare providers have to consider various factors, such as:
- The effectiveness of the drug
- The stage of the pregnancy
- The mother's health
- The potential effects on the fetus.
