Having A UTI During Pregnancy Isn’t Unusual – And Doesn’t Need To Scare You!

Urinary Tract Infection – UTI during pregnancy – is a common problem. Knowing the symptoms and precautions can ensure you have an easier time during those nine months!

Once the good news is ‘delivered’, the wait for the next and more crucial delivery begins. From the ‘good news’ to the ‘labour room’, there is much that us women have to experience during pregnancy.

Many of you who are pregnant will relate to the emotions I felt during both my pregnancies. The first emotion is of elation and relief (especially if you have been trying for over a year to get pregnant). As you spread the news, it also gets a tad bit embarrassing as the process of making babies is just too private, and you are now telling the world that you have done unprotected sexual intercourse successfully. I, for one, felt really embarrassed, especially when aunties smile at you and playfully nudge you.

In your dreams, you imagine yourself to be this ‘superstar mom-to-be’ with a rocking pregnancy and no problems whatsoever. Just as you are in this dream world, you may experience an itching in your vagina!

Yes, welcome to reality! This may be the first sign of a UTI during pregnancy – not at all uncommon.

Here is an article on infections to look out for during pregnancy by doctors at Motherhood Hospital.

How UTIs occur

As your uterus expands to make place for the baby, the urethra becomes shorter and more accessible to bacteria to travel up to the urinary tract. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the bladder that adversely impacts bladder emptying. This leftover urine can lead to the growth of bacteria.

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Further, during intercourse, the bacteria near the vagina may be pushed into the urethra that may lead to infection. Make sure you urinate after intercourse to prevent the bacteria from growing inside your urethra.

Watch out for these signs of UTI

• Unusual and frequent itching in the vagina
• Burning sensation during urination
• Increased trips to the bathroom especially when the urine output is less but the urge to urinate occurs repeatedly
• Foul smelling urine
• Low grade fever
• Excessive nausea and vomiting apart from morning sickness
• Pain in the lower abdomen and overall discomfort

More tips here on healthy pregnancy care.

Keep away UTI during pregnancy

Sometimes a UTI can occur even if you are taking all precautions; however, certain preventive measures may help in increasing the chances of keeping away the UTI during pregnancy.

• Drink lots of water and fluids: Fluids and water can keep your urinary tract active at all times. This will mean frequent trips to the loo, but remember -each time you go, you are actually flushing out bacteria from your system.
• Do not hold your urine for long intervals: Urination is frequent during pregnancy. Holding your urine can lead to higher chances of an infection. Make the bathroom your ‘secret hideout’ and never postpone your urges.
• Cotton clothing: Wear clean cotton underpants and change your panties at least twice a day.
• Always wipe from front to back: Irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not, make it a habit to always wipe from front to back. If we wipe from the rectum to the vagina, chances are that the bacteria of the bowel can make its way into your urinary system. Wiping from front to back will ensure you keep those away.
• Eat the right food items: Yoghurts, probiotics, salads and antioxidant rich foods are a must for your body. Do not binge on junk food at this time. Rather, eat healthy to stay healthy.

Don’t miss out the Motherhood Just Me Package – A comprehensive package of antenatal classes.

Strictly no self-medication

If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Self-medication is best avoided at any time, but especially now when you are pregnant and don’t want to take anything that could impact on your pregnancy.

A doctor will recommend pregnancy-safe antibiotics to cure UTI during pregnancy and all that you have to do is to ensure you take the entire course of treatment and not leave it mid way.

Remember to not panic at any time! There are many pregnant women out there facing the same symptoms. There are many women who have faced these and have yet produced healthy babies. So, keep the faith and keep going!

Top image via Pixabay

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