Women can experience the issue of UTI during pregnancy or urinary tract infection often. If the problem is not treated on time, then it causes dangerous health issues to a pregnant female and a growing fetus. So, it is important for women to reach out to expert and renowned gynecologist as soon as the signs of UTI are observed.
Is it common?
A UTI is an infection that can take place in any part of the urinary system which also includes kidneys and bladder. Studies suggest that it is common for women who are pregnant. In fact, according to the research of the Centers for Disease Control, around 8% of females can experience the issue of UTI.
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What is a UTI?
A UTI happens due to a bacterium that enters the female body through her urethra and causes the problem of an infection. It is found out that females are more expected to get UTI in pregnancy. The anatomy of a woman makes it simple for bacteria to enter the vagina or rectal areas and cause infection. It is also identified that females are at the higher risk during pregnancy in the sixth week through 24 weeks due to the urinary tract changes. Once the uterus begins to develop, the weight can lead to blocking the urine drainage from the bladder, resulting in UTI during pregnancy.
However, if you suffer UTI before pregnancy and think if it can impact your pregnancy? The answer is no. Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or get pregnant through IVF Treatment, a UTI can’t turn into Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder and affect fertility.
Why are UTIs common during pregnancy?
The problem of urine infection in early pregnancy is common. It happens because of the developing fetus which leads to putting pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. As a result, there is bacterial trapping and urine leakage. Physical changes are also not supposed to be overlooked. Almost every woman during the sixth-week experiences ureteral dilation, it happens when the urethra expands and begins expanding until delivery.
Bacteria grows because of the larger urinary tract along with the enhanced bladder and reduced tone of bladder that causes the urine to become still in the urethra. Things can get dangerous as the pregnant female urine gets concentrated. It involves a certain number of hormones and sugar. It can lead to encouraging the growth of bacteria and lowering your body’s efficiency to fight against the bad bacteria.
Is there a risk for babies?
A UTI infection in pregnancy can impose risk not only to the mother but also to the baby as well. If a female starts to experience infection in early pregnancy, it is vital to treat it before it’s dangerous. This problem can cause premature birth and can even lead to causing inefficient fetus development. So, to avoid such risks one must ensure visiting the doctor frequently and keep a check on the infection.
UTI symptoms
There are various symptoms of urine infection during pregnancy. If you aren’t aware of them, then here are some of them which you should identify beforehand so that the right treatment and medication is recommended by the doctor on time. Let’s find out these signs:
- Urine that is cloudy or tinged with blood.
- Painful or burning urination.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Pelvic and lower back pain.
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting
UTI diagnosis
The diagnosis of urine infection in pregnancy is initiated through the urine test. Doctor will begin the testing for bacteria and look for red and white blood cells. There may be the requirement of urine culture check as well. It helps in detecting the kind of bacteria present in the urine. Once the testing is done, the doctor will give the required treatment or medication to treat the problem because if UTI is left untreated then it can pose a major risk to the mother’s health and growing fetus.
Complications of UTI during pregnancy
UTI can lead to affecting the pregnancy and there are many other complications which can be there and needs to be addressed:
- There can be an issue of long-term infection.
- Anemia is one major problem that women can experience due to UTI.
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome can be developed in a female dealing with urine infection in pregnancy.
- Preterm labor and severe infection are also other complications that require expert supervision.
UTI prevention
There are different things you can do to avoid the risk of UTI during pregnancy such as:
- Ensure drinking more than 8 glasses of water in a day.
- It is crucial to ensure wiping yourself from front and back while using the restroom.
- Ensure emptying your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
- Choose a water-based lubricant when you are into sexual intercourse.
- Don’t use any string deodorants down there as it can lead to causing irritation.
- Always ensure washing your genital area with warm water before sexual intercourse.
- Always underpants having the cotton fabric.
- Keep visiting the washroom often.
- Don’t include alcohol, smoking, junk food, or spicy food in your regular eating or drinking habits as it causes more irritation.
UTI treatment
The treatment of UTIs is available and can easily be treated with the help of antibiotics during pregnancy. Urinary tract infections in pregnancy are mainly treated by antibiotics and it is essential to get in touch with the doctor as he/she can prescribe the medicines which are safe to use in pregnancy. Doctor will give you the antibiotics for around 3-7 days and one must ensure completing the course. If you are experiencing the signs like contractions, nausea, vomits, chills, fever, stomach pain, etc. or even if you face problems after taking the medicine, make sure to contact the doctor as soon as possible.
Final word
Urinary tract infections can be very problematic for females especially when they experience during pregnancy. It is found out in a study that women mostly face the problem in their first-three trimesters and it is important to take care of every detail during this period. One should keep a notice of urinary tract infections so that timely visits to a gynecologist can be made for the right treatment or medication.
We at Crysta IVF have a team of expert gynecologists holding years of experience and if you are unable to deal with the issues like UTI, we are your go-to solution. All you need to do is reach us and we will make your life easier by making your pregnancy journey smooth.
