UTIs During Pregnancy
December 12, 2018A Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is Common during pregnancy.
They often occur in the bladder, the urethra, and in worst cases, the kidneys. The infection is caused by bacteria that has crept into places in the body where it doesn’t belong. Being pregnant increases the chances of you developing a UTI.
Knowing how to avoid getting this type of infection and how to successfully treat it if it does occur is ideal. Preventative measures can be taken from the earliest stages of pregnancy to keep UTIs away. If you have any questions about what is suggested in this blog, make sure to ask your doctor for clarification as he or she possesses specific knowledge about your medical history, instances of UTIs, and details about your pregnancy.
What are UTI Symptoms?
There are many symptoms that indicate that you have a UTI. For example, do you feel a burning sensation during urination? Are you peeing more often than you did before, but the amount of urine produced is small?
If you experience a low-grade fever, have abdominal pain or discomfort or experience chills, nausea, and vomiting, it can be caused by a urinary tract infection. It’s time to seek medical attention for the pain that you’re feeling. Rather than allow your medical condition to worsen, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician right away.
A doctor diagnoses you with one and prescribes treatment options that help you heal quickly. Avoiding getting a urinary tract infection especially while pregnant is imperative as it can hurt you and your baby. You’ll learn about different ways to prevent a UTI below.
What Can I Do to Prevent a UTI?
There are many things you can do to prevent a UTI. For example, making sure that you drink enough water is key. It helps flush out bad bacteria out of your urethra.
You also want to make sure that you go to the bathroom regularly and don’t use scented or colored toilet paper. Avoid using other hygiene products that are fragranced because they can cause irritation.
Investing in cotton-crotched underwear allows the area to stay dry. You won’t need to worry about bacteria invading an area of your body that is already highly sensitive. You can sleep sans panties at night if you’re comfortable with the idea of doing so.
The diet that you choose to follow also helps prevent UTI. Eating yogurt is a great idea because it contains cultures that help keep your body’s natural bacteria in balance. You can also sip on cranberry juice because it contains a substance that fights urinary tract infections.
Why It’s Important to Treat a UTIs Right Away
Treating UTIs effectively is imperative because they can cause discomfort and even affect your fetus negatively. An untreated urinary tract infection can cause kidney infections, preeclampsia, restrict the growth of your baby, and cause preterm birth. Preventing UTIs is key because it helps eliminate the need for medical care and ensures that you’re able to have a healthier pregnancy and delivery overall.