UTI! Yes, we can say “The” most terrifying situation for women who are dealing with this. On the condition when you are pregnant and you are having UTI, you start behaving like a monster and you may experience- pain while peeing, abdominal pain, cramps, itching soreness, etc. It is the most common infection happens in women due to their small urethra and the chances get higher if you are pregnant. In this blog, we have given some important facts about UTI and How Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections is connected.

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What is UTI?

UTI is usually begun when the bacteria get to enter to the women urethra (Urinary tract). The female anatomy makes it easy for bacteria from the vagina or rectal areas to get in the urinary tract because they are all close together.

Pregnancy causes many changes in the woman’s body, which increase the probability of urinary tract infections (UTIs). As hormonal changes can promote urinary stasis and vesicoureteral reflux. Along with an already short urethra and difficulty with hygiene due to a tumescent pregnant belly, help make UTIs the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy.

Are Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections are Common?

Yes, pregnancy and urinary tract infections are connected with each other, because the growing fetus can put some pressure on the bladder and urinary tract which traps bacteria or causes urine to leak. There are also physical changes to consider. As early as 6 weeks gestation, almost all pregnant women experience ureteral dilation, when the urethra expands and continues to expand until delivery.

The larger urinary tract, along with increased bladder volume and decreased bladder tone, all cause the urine to become more still in the urethra. This allows bacteria to grow. Although, a pregnant woman’s urine gets more concentrated. It also has certain types of hormones and sugar. These can encourage bacterial growth and lower your body’s ability to fight off “bad” bacteria trying to get in.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections?

There are some major signs and symptoms of pregnancy and urinary tract infections include:

• Pain or burning when urinating

• A feeling of urgency when you urinate

• Blood or mucus in the urine

• Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Chills, fever, sweats, leaking of urine

• Waking up from sleep to urinate

• Change in the amount of urine, either more or less

• Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul or unusually strong

• Pain or tenderness in the area of the bladder

• If the bacteria spreads to the kidneys you may experience- Back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Is UTI Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Yes, any infection during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous for you and your baby. That’s because infections increase the higher risk of pyelonephritis, preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased perinatal mortality, premature labor, and some other complications. Consult a good gynecologist if you ever notice any problem. 

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Can a Urinary Tract Infection Cause Miscarriage?

UTIs do not create any danger to a developing fetus, and the infection is usually asymptomatic during pregnancy (unlike the pain that usually starts when you get one in a non-pregnant state). However, untreated UTIs can progress to kidney infections, which are far more serious.

How UTI Infection is Treated in Pregnancy?

UTI’s can be safely treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. Generally, UTI infection is treated by some antibiotics. Doctors, usually suggest a 3-7 day course of antibiotics that is safe for you and the baby. Go and talk to your doctor once if you have a fever, chills, lower stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, contractions, or if after taking medicine for 3 days, you still have a burning feeling when you urinate.

How Can We Treat a UTI Naturally While Pregnancy?

• Drink Plenty of Fluids

• Increase Vitamin C Intake

• Drink Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

• Take a Probiotic

• Practice Healthy Habits

Facts You Should Know About UTI

There are some important facts which you should know about UTI:

• Every woman will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.

• Females are more likely to develop UTIs than the male because women have a small urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

• If the UTI infection is not treated promptly, It can travel up to the kidneys and cause more serious problems.

• You should wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom to prevent bacteria from the bowels from getting into the urinary tract. Also, you should cleanse the genital area every day and prior to having sex.

• According to the study drinking, a glass of cranberry juice each day helps to prevent recurrent UTIs. You can also have cranberry products, including dried cranberries and dietary supplements. Cranberries carry compounds which may stop certain bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall.

Conclusion

As we have shared, some important facts about UTI and How Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections are connected. As we all know that UTI is very common to have to be a woman I can completely understand that sort of a feeling. But f you ever start feeling any of the above-mentioned symptoms so consult a gynecologist as earlier as you can unless it harms your baby.

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