WHAT IS A URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder (ureters), bladder, and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra) These organs make, store, and get rid of urine in the body. UTI can be a bladder infection (cystitis) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This infection may be caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs.
You are more likely to develop a UTI during pregnancy because:
• The physical and hormonal changes your body goes through can make it easier for bacteria to get into your urinary tract. …show more content…
DOES A UTI PLACE MY BABY AT RISK?
An untreated UTI during pregnancy could lead to a kidney infection, which can cause health problems that could affect your baby. Possible complications of an untreated UTI include:
• Having your baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature).
• Having a baby with a low birth weight.
• Developing high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A UTI?
Symptoms of a UTI include:
• Fever.
• Frequent urination or passing small amounts of urine frequently.
• Needing to urinate urgently.
• Pain or a burning sensation with urination.
• Urine that smells bad or unusual.
• Cloudy urine.
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back.
• Trouble urinating.
• Blood in the urine.
• Vomiting or being less hungry than normal.
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain.
• Vaginal