What are the chances of the development of UTIs during pregnancy?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in many women, especially during pregnancy. However, if the symptoms of UTI are left untreated, it can lead to major risk factors of pregnancy and health issues including health problems to the fetus. A UTI infection is the part of the urinary system that may also include the effect of symptoms on other organs including the bladder and kidneys. According to researchers, it is common for women to suffer UTIs because of pregnancy, which may require treatment. Around 8% of women suffer because of UTIs and their harmful effects during pregnancy. However, if you or anyone you know is going through adverse issues, you can consult the Best Gynecologist in Delhi.

What are the causes of UTIs, especially during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the uterus develops itself for the birth of the baby. This expansion creates or puts pressure on the bladder and ureters. Ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder and help in the easy passage of urine. The urine which is less acidic during pregnancy contains sugar, more protein, and hormones. This all may contribute to the chances of the development of UTIs.

Women may also get the medical conditions of UTI during or even after the birth of the baby. Also, during labor, there is a high risk of transfer of the bacteria through the urinary tract of the mother to the baby. This may cause the mother to experience sensitivity in her bladder and develop the chances of UTI after the birth of the baby. 

What are the symptoms of UTI?

A woman having UTI may have the following symptoms:

• frequent need to urinate
• burning sensation when urinating
• cloudy appearance of urine
• strong-smelling urine
• blood in the urine (in severe cases)
• pain in the lower back, abdomen, and sides

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of UTI, you may require the need to call the Best gynecologist in Delhi. Only a gynecologist may help you to rule out the symptoms of UTI and help you in the time of need.

Other signs and symptoms of a UTI include:

• painful urination
• cloudy urine
• pelvic or lower back pain
• frequent urination
• feeling that you need to go urgently to use the washroom
• fever
• Nausea
• vomiting

Around 2 to 10% of pregnant women suffer because of UTIs. The worrisome issue is that it may tend to recur with time or after pregnancy. Women who may suffer because of UTI in their previous pregnancy may develop the chances of the same during their second pregnancy. This may affect the health of children also.

In certain rare cases, bacterial infection may transfer to kidneys. This starts hampering the conditions of kidneys leading to the following symptoms:

• back pain
• fever
• chills
• nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call the doctor immediately. Kidney infection is also one of the serious medical conditions that may require you to have immediate medical treatment.

Treatments for UTI

If you are pregnant and you have developed the chances of UTI, you should immediately seek the help of the Best gynecologist in Delhi. Without treatment, you can develop the chances of complications.

Your doctor or gynecologist may refer you to a 3-day antibiotics treatment to treat UTIs during pregnancy. Your doctor may give the following medications:

• amoxicillin
• ampicillin
• cephalosporins
• nitrofurantoin
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, if you are pregnant you should avoid its use because it is associated with birth abnormalities and can affect the stages of your pregnancy

However, both nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are generally safe during the second and third trimesters. You can take either of the medications in the final week before the delivery may increase the risk of developing jaundice in newborns.

Also, if you are pregnant and have developed the chances of kidney issues, you may have a hospital visit. The course of treatment may include the intake of antibiotics and intravenous fluids. If you worry about the intake of medications, let us tell you that a short course of medications will not affect your baby. It will help you to rule out the symptoms of UTI without undergoing severe treatment.

Home remedies for UTI

If you’re pregnant and have developed the chances of UTI, you should immediately call your gynecologist. Only medical help can help you overcome these issues. Also, you can opt for the homemade remedies that may help you fight UTI and its risk factors at home only:

• Drinking plenty of water: Water dilutes everything and passes it to urine. This way you can pass the bacteria and their growth from the urinary tract.
• Drinking cranberry juice: Cranberries contain the compounds that help to stop the growth of bacteria. Bacteria may develop and may attach to your uterine lining. However, the use of cranberries creates over-the-counter symptoms. This helps to eliminate the growth of developing bacteria.
• Urinating whenever you feel so: Maintain the level of urination while drinking more water. You can go to the washroom frequently and drink water or juices simultaneously. This will help to pass the harmful bacteria from the body.
• Continue with your treatment process: According to doctors, a combination of vitamin C, cranberries, and probiotics help to release recurring UTI infections.

You can choose the above treatment as an alternative to the use of antibiotics. It is completely normal if you do not want to depend on medications. But, try to make a note that sometimes pregnancy may lead to complications. These can only be ruled out with the help of medications. You can consult your doctor who may help you with the natural treatment while ensuring that UTI is not serious.

What preventive measures can you take?

You can avoid the development of UTI during pregnancy by:

• Emptying your bladder before and after getting involved in sexual activities
• Wearing cotton undergarments only
• Avoiding the use of underwear at nights
• Keep up the level of hydration
• Do not use perfumes, sprays, and douches
• Avoid the use of harsh soaps, especially in the genital area

Most of the time, UTIs may require you to take the help of medications. Your doctor will help you with the choice of medications that are safe during pregnancy. These medications may help you with effective changes killing off the bacteria and helping to keep the fetus safe.