Pregnancy causes multiple changes in the woman’s body both hormonally and mechanically. These changes consist in urinary stasis and vesicoureteral reflux, which, associated with poor hygiene, make urinary infections the most common infections during pregnancy.

A urinary tract infection, also called a urinary infection, is a bacterial inflammation in the urinary tract. Pregnant women are at increased risk of having a urinary infection between the 6^th and 24^th week of pregnancy. Urinary infections are more common during pregnancy also due to changes in the urinary tract. The uterus is located directly above the bladder. As the uterus develops, its weight can block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing an infection.

Most of the time, the urinary infection is caused by bacteria found on the skin, in the vagina and rectum, that enter the urethra and cross the urinary tract upwards. In general, bacteria stop at the bladder and multiply here, which will cause its inflammation and the development of cystitis symptoms.

How to tell if you have a urinary infection

If you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• pain or burning (discomfort) sensation when urinating;
• the need to urinate more often than usual;
• a feeling of urgency when urinating;
• blood or mucus in the urine;
• cramps or pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during intercourse;
• waking up at night to go to the toilet;
• change in the amount of urine, either more or less;
• cloudy, foul-smelling or unusually heavy urine;
• pain, pressure or tenderness in the bladder area.

How to prevent a urinary infection during pregnancy

Urinary infections can happen even if you do everything right, but you can minimize the risk if you:

• drink 6-8 glasses of water daily;
• eliminate refined foods, fruit juices, caffeine, and sugar;
• go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need;
• urinate before and after sex;
• avoid intercourse while being treated for a urinary infection;
• after urinating, dab (do not rub) with soft toilet paper and keep the genital area clean. Make sure you wipe yourself from front to back;
• avoid using strong soaps, creams, antiseptic sprays for female hygiene;
• change your underwear daily;
• avoid wearing tight clothing;
• wear cotton underwear;
• do not stay in the bathtub for more than 30 minutes, or more than twice a day.