When microorganisms or bacteria infect the urinary tract, what is commonly known as a urine infection occurs, a condition that is more common in women than in men. This disease usually begins when bacteria contact the urethra and then travel to the bladder. If the urine infection is not treated in time, it can travel to the kidneys and lead to pyelonephritis or kidney infection.
During pregnancy, the woman goes through a series of biological changes that can increase the possibility of suffering from a urine infection. This pathology is one of the most common during pregnancy. Recognizing the discomfort and treating the condition in time is very important to avoid complications that could put the fetus’s health at risk. Continue reading this FastlyHealarticle and know all the details about urine infection in pregnancy: symptoms and treatments.
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Urine infection in pregnancy
Although there is no relationship between pregnancy and urinary tract infections, during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes specific changes that can increase the risk of suffering from this disease, such as:
- In pregnancy, the production of the hormone progesterone increases, and this substance can relax the muscles of the ureters, which, when dilating, makes the flow of urine slower than average, which increases the risk of bacteria reproducing.
- Just as progesterone relaxes the muscles in the ureters, it also relaxes those in the bladder, making it difficult for the bladder to empty and can cause urine to reflux, which can cause urine to flow back into the kidneys.
- During pregnancy, the acidity of the urine decreases, which can increase its glucose concentration, thus allowing bacteria to proliferate more easily.
Symptoms of urine infection in pregnancy
When the infection is in the bladder, the symptoms of urine infection in pregnancy are:
- They were burning when urinating.
- Pain when urinating
- Frequent urination even when the bladder is empty.
- Pain in the lower part of the belly.
- Blood or pus in the urine.
- Cloudy-colored and foul-smelling urine.
When the infection lodges in the kidney (pyelonephritis), the symptoms are:
- Intense pain in the lower back.
- She was shaking chills.
- Fever.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Treatment of urine infections in pregnancy
To treat urine infection in pregnancy, it is necessary to perform a culture of a urine sample to know the bacteria that have caused the condition and which is the most appropriate antibiotic to eliminate it. The doctor will treat the infection by prescribing antibiotics for seven days. However, it may be necessary to take the antibiotic for a long time when it is a recurrent infection.
In addition to medication, doctors usually recommend supplementing with vitamin C to increase the acidity of the urine and prevent bacteria from proliferating. Drinking lots of water and not resisting the urge to go to the bathroom is very important to heal the infection completely. The intake of cranberry juice is also recommended since this fruit has an antibacterial effect that benefits the health of the urinary tract.
When the urine infection travels to a kidney and causes pyelonephritis, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately, as there is a risk of the disease spreading to the blood and developing septicemia, which can be fatal for both the mother and the mother. For the fetus. The treatment of pyelonephritis includes antibiotics administered intravenously, hydrating with saline, and being hospitalized for the last five days until symptoms are under control and the infection begins to sag. Once the person is discharged, they must keep at least 10 days of complete rest, and the antibiotic treatment can continue for up to 20 more days.
Tips to Prevent Urine Infections in Pregnancy
- Drink 2 liters of water every day to keep the kidneys active and cleanse the urinary tract.
- Urine infections are commonly caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, which is found in the intestine. To avoid its transfer to the urethra, it is essential to clean the private parts from front to back or, preferably, rinse with soap and water after evacuations.
- Avoid wearing synthetic fabric underwear and prefer cotton ones.
- Avoid wearing tight pants.
- Do not stay long in a wet bathing suit when you go to the beach. Take a change of clothes.
- Drink a glass of water before sexual intercourse and urinate immediately afterward.
- Don’t hold the urge to urinate.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Urine infection in pregnancy: symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.