Can pregnancy be mistaken for a uti?
Pregnancy and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can have similar symptoms, such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. As a result, it is possible for someone to mistake pregnancy for a UTI or vice versa. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions that can help differentiate them.
Pregnancy symptoms:
- Missed period
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Increased appetite
- Constipation
UTI symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever
- Chills
- Back pain or flank pain
It is important to note that some of these symptoms can overlap between pregnancy and UTIs, making it difficult to self-diagnose. If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate pregnancy or a UTI, it is important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis. A urine test and/or blood test can be performed to confirm pregnancy, and a urine culture can be done to diagnose a UTI.