Differential Diagnosis for Sharp Seconds-Long Bladder Pain in Late 3rd Trimester
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given the sharp, seconds-long bladder pain, a UTI is a common condition in pregnancy, especially in the late third trimester, due to urinary stasis and ureteral dilation. The pain can be severe and fleeting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Although less common in pregnancy, kidney stones can cause severe, sharp pain that can be mistaken for bladder pain. The pain can be intermittent and may radiate to the groin.
- Overdistended Bladder: In the late third trimester, the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the bladder, leading to overdistension and sharp pain, especially if the patient has not voided recently.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions: While typically felt as abdominal tightening, Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes cause pressure on the bladder, leading to sharp, transient pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Placental Abruption: Although the primary symptom is vaginal bleeding, placental abruption can cause severe abdominal pain that might be referred to the bladder area. It's a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
- Preterm Labor: Sharp pain could be a symptom of preterm labor, especially if accompanied by regular uterine contractions. It's crucial to differentiate this from other causes of pain to ensure appropriate management.
- Ureteral Obstruction: Obstruction of a ureter, which could be due to a stone or the pregnant uterus compressing the ureter, can cause severe, sharp pain. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term kidney damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition that can cause bladder pain, but it's less likely to present acutely in the late third trimester without a previous history.
- Bladder Cancer: Extremely rare in pregnancy and even more so in younger populations, but could potentially cause sharp bladder pain if a tumor is present.