Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections are common in pregnancy. Severe infections can cause problems for both mother and fetus. Some urinary tract infection can be detected only by tests-there may be no symptoms to let you know that you have an infection. Your doctor will be testing you regularly, however, to avoid any problems. Some symtoms linked with urinary tract infection, such as painful urination, can be caused by other problems, such as infection of the vagina or vulva. To help your doctor make the correct diagnosis, you shold bring any changes to his or her attention.

Cysitis is a lower-tract (bladder) infection. Its symtomps include an increased need to urinate, buring and pain during urination with possivble signs of blood in the urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. With proper treatment, this condiation usually clears up right away.

Pyelonephritis is an upper-tract (kidney) infection. Its symptoms are similar to those of cystitis. However, pyelonephritis can also cause chills, fever, rapid heart rate, and nausea or vomiting. This condition can cause premature labor or septic shock. If you have pyelonephrits, you will probably be hospitalized for treatment and careful monitoring. Under these conditions, most patients recover within 48 hours.