No doubt! Pregnancy is a very special phase for a woman. But, at the same time, it is the most difficult one too. During this process, the woman's body changes, and tries to adjust to those changes. Thus, it becomes very common to overlook the symptoms of everyday health and hygiene. This can result in Urinary Tract Infection in early pregnancy.
UTI is a common infection, infecting pregnant and non-pregnant ladies as well. It captures different parts of the urinary tract. This includes the Bladder, Ureter, Urethra, and Kidneys. Thus leading to serious kidney diseases. However, with a lack of knowledge, no required precautions are taken on time. This leads to a multiply of bacteria - posing a serious threat to the mom and the fetus's health.
Cause behind UTI during Pregnancy
During pregnancy period, some changes occur in the body that increase the risk of UTIs. As the baby grows, the pressure on the bladder and ureters automatically increases. This blocks the flow of urine and leads to an infection.
Due to the extended pressure and other changes in the body, the ureter opening gets extended. This makes it easier for the bacteria to get to the kidneys.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
Try not to overlook the symptoms as timely treatment can stop the situation from worsening.
- Sense of stinging or pain when you pass urine
- Urge to pass urine more often
- Leaking urine
- Constant fever
- Urine with a strong odor
Types of Urinary Tract Infection during Pregnancy
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Asymptomatic:
Sometimes this happens when the female notices no symptoms of UTI, however, still she is diagnosed with it. Therefore, this situation is categorized under the Asymptomatic type. Approximately 7% of pregnant women are diagnosed with such a condition.
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Cystitis:
Cystitis refers to the infection of the lower urinary tract. This mainly includes the urinary bladder. Some common symptoms seen under this condition are frequent but small amounts of urine, painful urination, and a strong urge to urinate immediately.
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Pyelonephritis:
When the infection increases and the bacteria either captures one or both the kidneys, it comes under the pyelonephritis type of UTI. Thus, harming the kidneys. The symptoms it includes are cystitis, fever, nausea, and pain in your lower back or sides.
The kidney infections are more serious than lower UTIs. This can lead to anemia or preterm labor.
Tips that help to Reduce the risk of UTIs during Pregnancy
Diet Recommendations:
Internal health and cleanliness are equally important as external hygiene is. So let’s take a look at what food items are a healthy choice for women to prevent UTI and what you need to give up on.
In order to recover from UTI, you should try consuming these food items:
- Family of berries - Cranberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries.
- Probiotic-rich foods - Greek yogurt, pickles, kefir, mushrooms, and dark leafy vegetables.
- High-fiber foods - bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains.
Next is the list of food items that you need to cut out from your diet strictly. This will help you manage your UTI better.
- Sugar
- Carbohydrates
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy food
- Caffeinated drinks
- Citrus juices
Drink more water:
A tasteless, odorless, and colorless fluid - Water, holds numerous benefits for our bodies. It can flush out the bacteria by diluting it in the urine. Thus, helping the mom-to-be’s body in preventing or managing UTIs.
Try drinking around 8-12 glasses of water a day. This will keep you, your body, and your baby safe. If you get bored of water or want to add a twist to it, there are several Ayurvedic ways to transform plain water into detox water.
Some effective Ayurvedic ingredients that can be easily found in an Indian home for a healthy detox drink include fennel, ginger, lemon, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.
Urinate before and after intercourse:
Urinating after physical intimacy is super beneficial, especially for women. One great reason for this is that peeing flushes the harmful toxins or bacteria out of the body which will be a great prevention method for UTIs from developing.
Here’s the actual reason for your ‘why.’ -
Females are 30 times more prone to UTIs than men. Sexual intercourse is one of the big factors for UTIs. During intercourse, the bacteria from the genital area can pass to the urethra. Thus, developing a risk of UTI. However, peeing within half an hour after intimacy can reduce the risk. If a woman does not feel the pressure, she can drink a glass of water for the same.
Wear Cotton Underwear:
The cotton fabric is well-known for soaking up all the moisture and keeping the skin dry and healthy. That is why cotton underwears are usually recommended. This is the most easiest way to prevent UTIs, as bacteria rapidly grow in moisture. Also, make sure they are not tight-fitted. To maintain better hygiene, try to change them regularly and after workouts as well.
Here are a few types of fabrics that ladies you need to avoid in order to keep your genital health on point. This includes lycra, nylon, lace, and polyester.
Stay hygienic:
Pregnant or not pregnant, staying clean is necessary for each human being. For women, it is important to wash their genital areas at least 2 times a day with lukewarm water only. No need to use harsh soaps or other chemicals as our vagina itself cleanses it from the inside.
Also, keep the area dry so that it's not a home for germs to grow. Also, add these practices to your life:
- Wipe the area each time you use the washroom
- Wear loose-fitted, comfortable clothes to prevent sweat and rashes
- Avoid strong soaps or deodorants
- Prefer showers instead of baths
Avoid Holding Urine:
Women, listen up! Holding your pee for long hours is the worst habit, especially for pregnant women. It’s because it can cause the bacteria to multiply and enter in the bladder. Therefore, whenever you sense an urge to use the restroom, go for it.
Many doctors recommend not to hold pee for an extended period of time, otherwise, the risk of UTIs will increase which will eventually harm your pregnancy and the baby.
Wiping from front to back:
Usually, females wipe their genital area from back to front. But the right way of doing it is by wiping it from the front area to the back. This is because the rectum area commonly has bacteria. This can be transferred to the hand, tissue, and then the urethra by wiping it from back to front.
Also, keep in mind - not to wipe the area twice with the same tissue. Always dispose of the tissue after one swipe and switch it with a clean one.
Conclusion
UTIs during pregnancy are generally common due to certain changes in the body. If managed timely, it won’t affect the mom or the baby. However, if you have bacteria in your urine or a kidney infection, your baby is at higher risk of an early birth or being born underweight. Thus, bringing several complications to the health of the mom and the baby. This will complicate the pregnancy period. Therefore, it is advised to consult an expert right when you notice your body acting differently, so as to protect the baby from further health conditions.
