One of the most common problems during pregnancy is frequent urination. Urinary tract infection (UTIs) may cause you to urinate frequently even more. UTI is fairly common. As the uterus grows larger it sits directly on top of the bladder and on the ureters (the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder). This blocks the flow of urine. Other names for UTI are bladder infections and cystitis. Symptoms include frequent urination, the feeling of wanting to urinate urgently, and painful urination particularly at the end of the urination. A severe form of UTI may cause blood to appear in the urine. Your doctor may do a urinalysis and urine culture at your visit. A check for your urine infection will be done periodically or when bothersome symptoms arise. You can help avoid infection by not holding your urine. Empty your bladder as soon as the urge arises. Drink plenty of fluids; cranberry juice may help you to fight infections. For some women it helps to empty bladder after intercourse.






If you have UTI during pregnancy, call your doctor and take care of the problem. Research has found that risks of giving birth to a child who is mentally retarded or who will exhibit developmental delays increases when UTIs are left untreated. UTIs can also be responsible for premature labor or a low birth-weight baby. Complete the antibiotic course prescribed even if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of medication during pregnancy; the medication is safe by the way. If UTI is left untreated you will bring harm to your baby and the problem can get worse for you. It can worsen to pyelonephritis a serious kidney infection. This type of infection occurs in 1-2% of all pregnant women. Symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, the feeling you need to urinate and nothing comes out, high fever, chills and back pain. This condition may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. If you contract this or have recurrent bladder problems, you may need to depend on antibiotics throughout your pregnancy to prevent re-infection.



Kidney stones


Another problem involving kidneys and bladder is kidney stones. They occur about once in every 1500 pregnancies. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the back or lower abdomen. There may even be blood in the urine. Treatment is possible with medication and plenty of fluids. In this way the stone may be passed without a surgery or lithotripsy (an ultrasound procedure).