Bladder infections, also called urinary tract infections (UTI), are the second most common ones to occur in the body, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Some organizations, like the American Pregnancy Association (APA), believe you are more likely to get a bladder infection during pregnancy.

Pain

The APA reports you may experience pain as a sign of bladder infection while you are pregnant. There are several types of pain, and you may experience one or all of them. Common types include a burning sensation when you urinate or cramps in your lower abdomen. You may feel the cramps in the middle or back of your abdomen. After intercourse, you may experience pain or burning. You may feel pressure or tenderness in the area surrounding your bladder, especially if you touch it. While pain can be a sign of a bladder infection, severe pain may indicate a serious problem, and you should contact your doctor if you experience it.

Changes to the urinary tract during pregnancy may contribute to the development of a bladder infection. The tract includes the bladder, the kidneys, the ureters and the urethra. You may experience pain in other parts of your urinary tract, as well. The NKUDIC reports pregnancy may make it easier for the infection to move into your kidneys, resulting in pain in that area.

Urine Changes

When you have a urinary tract infection, you may notice changes to your urine, according to the National Women’s Health Information Center. You may notice an unusually strong smell, which may be sour or foul. The urine may look milky or cloudy. It is also possible to see blood in your urine. In addition to physical urine changes, you may feel the need to urinate more often. This can include the urge to go even if you have just emptied your bladder. During the night, the need to urinate may wake you.

Additional Changes

You may experience additional symptoms like a low fever, reports “The New York Times’ Health Guide.” If the bladder infection spreads to your kidneys or other areas or the urinary tract, you can also feel tired, sick or begin getting chills. The infection may cause night sweats and increase your fever to more than 101 degrees F. You may also notice your skin feels warm to the touch and has a reddened appearance.

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