UTI OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY
The Urinary Tract Infections or commonly named UTI is an infection that affects the urinary system of the body. The organs included are kidneys, urethra, uterus and the bladder.
UTI are most common in women, though anyone can get affected from it. The causes of most of the UTIs are bacteria and the most affected organs by the infection is the bladder.
If untreated, UTI poses serious health risks during pregnancy. Serious UTI complications include pregnancy complications like underdeveloped fetus, preterm labor and low birth weight baby.
What causes UTI during Pregnancy?
The Urinary Tract Infection is common during pregnancy. During pregnancy the urine becomes concentrated with substances that promote bacterial growth. Also, the pressure on the bladder and urinary tract increases because of the growing fetus which causes urine leak and moisture promoting bacterial growth.
Also, the changes in the organs causes urine stillness in the bladder thus promoting bacterial growth chances
The urethral compression but expanding uterus causes the urethra to expand proximally and causes incomplete voiding, leading to stillness of urine in bladder, which leads to bacterial growth. The physical changes affects mucosa of all the urinary tract organs extremely thus affecting the body’s infection fighting ability.
Symptoms:
The UTI infections affect the urinary tract organs. The UTI can affect the kidneys too and could cause serious issues. The common symptoms of a UTI could be:
- Frequent need of urination
- Feeling urgency to urinate
- Inflammation or burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Foul smelling urine
- Pain in the abdomen and lower back
- Nausea
- Fever
Preventing UTI
It is possible to prevent UTI. Below are some tips that could help in avoiding and lowering the chances of getting the UTI.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. One should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day and every day. Also the water intake should be distributed well throughout the day.
- Urinate often and do not wait for the urge.
- Take good care of the hygiene of your body and the toilets.
- Avoid strong smells like strong perfumes, soaps or deodorants to the perineum area.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Do not wear tight cloths.
- Wear clean cloths and wash them properly.
- Avoid foods that are spicy or too citrusy.
- Avoid stress and take enough rest.
- Get all your medications checked from doctor as some of the medications could also aid the condition.
The UTI infection is very common among pregnancy. It can be prevented with precautions. It is still recommended that pregnant women must not ignore the slightest symptoms of UTI as an ignored condition could cause serious complications.
