Blood in Urine during Pregnancy

Referred to as hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine of a pregnant women, can be indicative of severe problems. Occurring as a result of abnormal levels of red blood cells in the urine, hematuria infects 10% of the general population and can be a symptom associated with a number of health problems. Thus, it can be attributed to multiple factors, such as bladder stones, kidney infections or urinary tract infections.

There are essentially two types of hematuria namely, gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria. So, while gross hematuria is a condition characterized by blood in urine that is visible to the naked eyes, a person affected with microscopic hematuria cannot discern the blood in the urine unless a microscopic examination is done. During pregnancy the blood in the urine may be due to bladder or kidney stones. However, the singular, most common cause for the infection is the presence of urinary tract infection. Here, is a rundown on the causes, symptoms and treatment of hematuria in pregnancy.

Causes of Blood in Urine during Pregnancy

There are multiple reasons for blood in urine during pregnancy which ranges from the more severe conditions like bladder cancer to the less important ones, like viral infections and nonspecific inflammations of the kidney. Here, is a list of the common causes for hematuria during pregnancy.

Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infection or chronic bladder infection is one of the most common causes of the appearance of blood in urine. Since, pregnant women are more at risk of contracting this bacterial infection, hematuria is common in pregnant women. As the uterus grows, its increased weight can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, thus causing infection which leads to the presence of blood or mucus in the urine.

Kidney and Bladder Stones: The blood in urine can also be the result of the kidney stones which may cause severe pain and bleeding as the stone passes through the urinary tract. The presence of hardened mineral deposits in the kidney may also result in constant ache and pain in the abdomen, especially around the area of the kidneys, accompanied by nausea or vomiting. In addition, this mineral deposits can accumulate in the bladder and form stones which cause pain and bleeding as they block the bladder.

Kidney Disorders: Hematuria may also be caused by the damage to the upper urinary tract or kidney diseases.

Bladder, Kidney and Prostate Cancer: The presence of blood in urine might also indicate bladder cancers or kidney and prostate cancer. However, this is a more common concern in people older than 40 years of age.

In addition, the blood in urine is detected in pregnant women affected with medical conditions such as lupus, sickle cell anemia or diabetes. In the majority of the cases, elevated amounts of protein is present in the urine.

Symptoms

Blood in urine, is itself a symptom of hematuria in pregnancy. In case a pregnant women is affected with gross hematuria, the urine appears pinkish, red, or smoky brown, accompanied with small blood clots. In addition to this, there may be pain in the back, lower belly or groin accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating. In certain cases, there may be fever or nausea with weight loss and decreased appetite. If the person is affected by microscopic hematuria then none of these symptoms may be present.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Persistent blood in urine during pregnancy must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. For the diagnosis, a thorough physical examination along with an assessment using a urine culture must be done in laboratory settings. The first test performed in the emergency department or medical office, is a dipstick test where a strip of chemically treated paper is dipped into a cup containing a sample of your urine. The paper will show different colors to indicate the presence of blood, protein, glucose, or infection in the urine. This is followed by a formal urinalysis where the urine is examined under a microscope to look for red blood cells and white blood cells, which signify infection. For detecting kidney stones ultrasound or a single shot x-ray must be done. In the majority of the cases antibiotics suited for pregnancy are given for treating the condition. In case the cause of blood in urine is the presence of kidney stones then lithotripsy is usually avoided.

The best course of action post detection of blood in urine, is to consult your physician immediately, especially if you notice gross hematuria. After identifying the cause of your hematuria, your doctor can pinpoint the exact treatment you need. Remember that the health of your baby depends on your well being, so seek help as soon as possible.