Blood in urine during pregnancy

Blood in urine during pregnancy (Hematuria)

The presence of blood in urine (hematuria) is a symptom that should never be ignored and always requires immediate consultation with a doctor. Although the causes can be relatively harmless, this condition can also signal serious problems, so self‑diagnosis is unacceptable. Your task is to see a specialist as soon as possible to determine the source of the problem.

Most common causes of blood in urine

In pregnant women, hematuria is most often associated with the following conditions:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI). This is the number one cause. A bacterial infection causes inflammation of the bladder lining (cystitis) or urethra. Inflamed tissues become fragile, and their tiny vessels may bleed. Usually, besides blood, other symptoms are observed: pain, burning, frequent urination.
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This is a complication of an untreated UTI, when the infection ascends to the kidneys. In addition to blood in urine, this condition is accompanied by lower back pain, high fever, and feeling unwell.
• Kidney stones. Although not common, pregnancy can promote the formation of kidney stones. As they pass through the urinary tract, they can damage its walls, causing severe pain and bleeding.

“False” hematuria

Sometimes blood can enter the urine sample from the outside. For example, with a small vaginal bleeding or bleeding hemorrhoidal nodes. However, only a doctor can determine the source of the bleeding after an examination and performing a urine analysis.