A Urinary Tract Infection occurs when bacteria get inside the urinary tract and cause an infection. Women are at an increased risk for infections of the urinary tract due to the anatomy of the urinary tract, vagina, and proximity to the rectum making it easier for the bacteria to get transmitted.
Lower urinary tract infections involving the bladder & urethra and upper UTIs involving the ureters and kidneys. UTIs are common in pregnancy due to physiological changes. However, since they can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, Urinary Tract Infections must be managed with medications as prescribed by your physician or gynaecologist.
To help you understand Urinary Tract Infections and their impact on pregnancy, here are 10 things you need to know about UTIs.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
- The symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections include –
- Burning sensation while passing urine
- Fever
- Pain above the pubic bone ( pelvic area)
- Cloudy, bloody or smelly urine
- Bladder feeling full after urination
- Leaking of urine
- Frequent urination
To determine if these symptoms are of UTI during pregnancy, your gynaecologist would assess & examine you.
Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
UTI during pregnancy can be caused by –
- Urinary Tract getting contaminated due to gut bacteria from faeces
- Sexual activity transfers the bacteria from the genital area to the urinary tract
- Weak pelvic floor muscles causing incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Diabetes leads to increased sugar in the urine, causing bacteria to multiply
Diagnosis of UTI During Pregnancy
A doctor can diagnose UTI during pregnancy by checking urine samples, physical examinations, and ultrasounds.
Prevention of UTIs During Pregnancy
Urinary Tract Infections during pregnancy can be prevented by drinking plenty of water, preventing constipation, and speeding up the treatment of vaginal or genital infections.
Impact of UTIs on the health of pregnant ladies
A UTI during pregnancy may cause a kidney infection, sepsis, and high blood pressure, posing a threat to the health of the pregnant mother.
Impact of UTIs on the health of the baby
UTIs can cause low birth weight, early labour, intrauterine growth restriction, and amnionitis (infection of the uterus that can spread to the foetus).
Treatment of UTIs during pregnancy
UTIs during pregnancy are treated with antibiotics, medication, and drinking plenty of water.
Antibiotics and UTIs
It is essential to consume the antibiotics as per prescription. Even if you feel better after a few doses, you need to consume the full course.
Common Misconceptions contributing to UTIs
There are common misconceptions that douching, harsh soaps & body wash in intimate areas promote hygiene. These activities can disrupt the pH and environment of the genitals and make them prone to bacterial infections.
Cotton Underpants and Hygiene
Cotton Underpants wick away any moisture from the genital area keeping it clean & dry. The genital area can be kept clean by wearing fresh underpants every day, preferably of a breezy material.
Take Away
These are 10 basic things you need to know about Urinary Tract Infections during pregnancy and how you can prevent them. Apart from these measures, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle including eating healthy nutrient-dense foods, staying active, and taking good quality multivitamins to achieve good health. Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin C & Zinc help boost your immune health, so invest in prenatal tablets that contain these nutrients.
TrimacareTM Prenatal Tablets contain 20+ Essential Multi Micronutrients in one tablet to boost maternal health & support the growth and development of the baby. Pregnancy vitamins help you meet your nutrient requirements and are beneficial for the baby’s development. Ask your doctor about TrimacareTM Prenatal Tablets .
