As you embrace the changes in your body during pregnancy, it's crucial not to overlook symptoms of everyday health conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
UTIs can affect both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals and usually require medication to clear the infection.
However, if left untreated during pregnancy, UTIs can progress to serious infections that may lead to preterm labor, premature delivery, or even fetal loss.
UTIs During Pregnancy: The Science Behind It
UTIs occur when bacteria enter and grow in the urinary tract. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, including increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can lead to significant changes in the urinary tract.
The expanding uterus and hormonal effects can slow down the emptying of the bladder, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and increase the risk of UTIs.
Types of UTIs During Pregnancy
There are three types of UTIs to be aware of during pregnancy:
Asymptomatic UTIs: Approximately 7% of pregnant women may have a UTI that doesn’t cause symptoms. However, an untreated asymptomatic infection has a 25% chance of advancing to a more severe UTI in your bladder and then your kidneys.
Cystitis: This localized infection in the bladder causes typical UTI symptoms, such as frequent but small amounts of urine, painful urination, and strong urges to urinate immediately.
Pyelonephritis: This kidney infection can lead to serious complications such as septic shock, anemia, excess lung fluid, and pre-term labor. It typically includes symptoms of cystitis, plus nausea, fever, chills, and pain in your lower back and sides.
UTI Detection and Prenatal Care
As UTIs are prevalent during pregnancy, your healthcare provider will request a urine sample to conduct a culture test as part of your prenatal care.
This test looks for specific bacteria in your urine that can cause an infection.
Regular urine tests will be performed throughout your pregnancy, but not all tests are meant to detect UTIs.
Safe UTI Treatment During Pregnancy
UTI treatments during pregnancy are safe and effective, usually involving a short course (3-7 days) of oral antibiotics.
However, two exceptions exist:
Suppressive Therapy: If you continue to have UTIs after treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend suppressive therapy. In this case, you'll take a lower dose of antibiotics daily throughout your pregnancy instead of larger doses for just a few days.
Pyelonephritis Treatment: If you have pyelonephritis (kidney infection), you will need to receive antibiotics through an IV at a hospital.
Receiving antibiotic treatment is generally safer than risking a kidney infection.
Your healthcare provider will consider your health conditions and pregnancy symptoms to determine the best type of antibiotic for you.
Preventing UTIs During Pregnancy
While pregnant, you can take specific actions to lower your chances of getting a UTI:
Wipe front to back in the bathroom: This prevents bacteria from the anus reaching the urethra.
Urinate before and after sex: This helps flush out any potential bacteria.
Wear cotton underwear: It allows for better air circulation, reducing moisture and bacterial growth.
Avoid tight and wet clothing: Moist environments promote bacterial growth.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.
Postpartum UTI Precautions
After giving birth, the risk of developing a UTI can increase, especially if you've had a catheter inserted during labor or a C-section.
The longer the catheter stays in your body, the higher the infection risk.
To reduce the risk:
Remove the catheter promptly: Your healthcare provider aims to remove the catheter no more than six to eight hours after surgery or sooner after an epidural.
Be vigilant after discharge: Watch for UTI symptoms after leaving the hospital and promptly alert your doctor if you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort.
UTIs during pregnancy should not be ignored, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing complications.
Remember, your health remains a priority after the birth of your baby.
Keeping your healthcare provider informed about any symptoms or concerns can help ensure you stay healthy and enjoy this transformative journey with confidence.
Has anyone experienced UTIs back to back. I had to take an Antibiotic and broke down l, now this is my 2nd one and I'm so scared. Yall have any advice or experience?
I've had a few utis in the first 3 months of pregnancy. So horrible. Thank God it stopped after 4 months
27 Mar 2024
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ashley
2 Jun 2022
Good afternoon moms. Does anyone suffer from getting utis a lot? I get them pretty often. I'm tired of getting them and having to go to the doctors for an antibiotic. I was wondering if anyone takes something everyday to help keep them away and seems to help?
I get them too, but Idk how to fix them either sadly
27 Mar 2024
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Solange M
I am currently 9 months and I’ve gotten it 3 times this whole pregnancy , it’s really frustrating! My first time was at 2 months it went away with antibiotics, the third time was at 6 months, then it came back during my month 9 right now , I’m currently taking antibiotics again . I feel you mama !
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