Day 68 of 280, first trimester
You are 9 weeks and 5 days
Pregnancy raises your risk of urinary tract infections, so it's important to know the signs.
212 days until your due date
Watch out for signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. It isn't very serious and is easily treated, but it's a complication you can do without.
A UTI can make you urinate more often, but so can early pregnancy, so it can be hard to spot. If you also have stinging or discomfort when you urinate, lower abdominal pain, or blood in your urine, you may have an infection.
UTIs are very common in women in general, because the urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the bladder) is very close to the anus, so bacteria don't have far to travel.
In pregnancy, high levels of progesterone relax the tubes of the urinary system, making it even easier for bacteria to reach the bladder or even the kidneys.
If you have symptoms, it's very important that your doctor tests your urine. UTIs are usually easy to treat in pregnancy with antibiotics that are safe to take, and they must be treated, because if left they can damage your kidneys.
Good to know
Staying in shape
If you exercised regularly before pregnancy, it's important to keep going in some form. Stopping completely would be a shock to your fit body.
There are some reasons not to exercise, but if your doctor has given you the all-clear, follow these steps to exercise safely and effectively without putting you or your baby at risk:
- Carry on with activities such as jogging and swimming as long as you feel comfortable.
- Listen carefully to your body and watch for signs you need to slow down or rest.
- Rest enough between workouts, and drink water before, during, and after exercise.
- Exercise at a moderate level; you should still be able to talk.
- Stick to low-impact, low-risk activities, avoiding contact sports and anything with a risk of falling.
- Wear the right clothing: cotton helps your body lose heat, and a supportive sports bra is vital for your growing breasts, especially if you jog.
Explainer
Cycling safely
If you usually cycle, switch to a stationary bike at the gym during pregnancy, because it's best to avoid activities that could lead to a fall, such as cycling outdoors.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Booking appointmentUsually between 8 and 12 weeks
Read the full 9 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.