WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Urinary Infections, a pregnancy symptom

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Urinary Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy due to physiological changes in the urinary tract. Understanding these infections, their implications, prevention, and treatment is vital for the health of both the expectant mother and the baby.
Understanding Urinary Infections in Pregnancy
  • Prevalence and Causes: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of UTIs, particularly between the 6th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. Hormonal changes and physical shifts, such as the expanding uterus pressing on the bladder, contribute to this heightened risk.
  • Types of Urinary Infections: UTIs can involve the bladder (cystitis) or the kidneys (pyelonephritis). While bladder infections are more common and less severe, kidney infections can be more serious and require immediate attention.
Symptoms of Urinary Infections
  • Common Symptoms: Include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
  • Symptoms of Kidney Infection: May include back or side pain, high fever, shaking, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Diagnosis: Involves a routine urine test to detect the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. For recurrent UTIs, further investigations might be required.
  • Treatment: Typically includes a course of antibiotics safe for use during pregnancy. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve.
Preventing Urinary Infections
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help dilute urine and flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
  • Urinary Habits: Urinate frequently and avoid delaying urination. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading.
  • Dietary Measures: Some evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, but consult with your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet.
  • Clothing: Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes to reduce moisture build-up.
Complications of Untreated UTIs
  • Risk of Kidney Infection: If left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which can be serious and potentially cause premature labor or low birth weight.
  • Impact on Baby: While direct infection transmission to the baby is rare, the implications of a systemic infection (fever, sepsis) can be significant.
Q&A for Expectant Mothers
  1. How can I distinguish a UTI from normal pregnancy-related urinary changes?
  2. Are UTIs during pregnancy more difficult to treat?
  3. Can UTIs recur during pregnancy?
  4. Should I alter my diet if I have a UTI?
  5. Is it safe to take UTI medications during pregnancy?
T
Toni
12 Jul 2023

Has anyone had to deal with any UTI, BV, or Bladder Infections? Currently dealing with all 3 and just want them to go away.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
18 comments
S
S
That sounds painful, are u taking antibiotics or anything?
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
I had reoccurring bv during my pregnancy. At first I had to take a 14 day round of antibiotics and then it came back so they gave me gel to put in me (it’s as uncomfortable as it sounds 😩). I never had bv before my pregnancy (or after) but pregnancy elevates your hormones a lot which can mess with you down there. Hope it clears up soon ❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

L
LaTressa
4 Jul 2023

Have anybody seen a urologist due to having urinary tract infections and none of the antibiotics work..if so what was it like

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
8 comments
a
alexandria
The hospital was the only way it went away for me
27 Mar 2024

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a
alexandria
But everyone is different
27 Mar 2024

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