You experience burning every time you pass urine. You are not sure if this is a usual complaint in pregnancy or can it harm the baby. You do not know if you should seek medical help or try using one of the disinfectant solutions available over-the-counter. You could be having a urinary infection and you should know how to treat one and prevent another one in future.
About urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and the urethra. Urine is formed in the kidneys, ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder where the urine is stored till it is expelled, and the urethra is the tube that expels the urine to the exterior. During pregnancy, UTIs are common because the growing womb presses upon the bladder or ureters, and hormonal changes affect the urinary system making it more vulnerable to infection. This may impede the flow of urine and facilitate the growth of germs to cause an infection. UTIs in pregnancy usually occur in the 6 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Urine is normally sterile but bacteria from the genital area and anal canal can pass up the urinary tract to cause an infection.
UTI, if left untreated, can spread up the urinary tract and affect the growing baby. Labor may begin early and the baby may be born prematurely. The baby may be small and low in birth-weight and may need support for survival. Early recognition and treatment of UTIs can prevent such consequences.
Symptoms
The frequency of urination may increase in very early or late pregnancy. However, if the frequency is persistently increased, a UTI should be suspected. Besides this, UTI can cause symptoms like burning, pain or discomfort when passing urine, presence of blood or pus in urine, leaking of urine, and inability to resist the urge to urinate. There may be pain in the lower abdomen or sexual intercourse may be painful. Sometimes one can have fever and chills. If the infection spreads up the kidneys, there can be pain in the lower back and flanks. One may feel sick and have vomiting. The urine may be dark, blood stained, foul smelling, or cloudy.
Treatment
UTI can be treated with medicines called antibiotics like amoxicillin. These can inactivate or kill the causative germs. Antibiotics should be continuously taken for seven days, even if the symptoms improve after few days of therapy. If symptoms do not improve, a sample of urine may need examination in the laboratory to isolate, grow, and study the characteristics of the germs and to determine their susceptibility to antibiotics. Medicines like paracetamol may be taken for high fever. The best treatment for UTI in pregnancy is to drink plenty of fluids. Water helps to wash out the causative germs from the urinary system.
The treatment of UTI usually produces relief from symptoms in three days. If symptoms persist beyond 3 days, one should seek medical help. The treatment should not be discontinued but a healthcare provider should be consulted to know what can be the cause of non-response to medication.
Prevention
UTI in pregnancy can be prevented by taking plenty of water. One should have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Cranberry juice may be helpful s it helps to maintain the acidity of urine. Some vitamins and trace elements are important to prevent UTIs. These include vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A. Zinc is a trace element that helps to maintain the integrity of the lining of the urinary system and prevents UTI. Personal hygiene is important to prevent UTIs. Comfortable cotton panties are the best. One should avoid tight-fitting underpants. The panties should be changed every day. Urine should not be held for very long. It is best to pass urine soon after having an urge to do so. One should urinate before and after intercourse. The genitals should be cleaned after urination and the direction of wiping should be from front backwards. Any strong soaps, douches, creams, or deodorants should be avoided. Douching can spread the infection up the urinary system. Showers should be preferred to baths. One should not stay in a bath for longer than 30 minutes. These precautions can prevent another episode of UTI in pregnancy.
UTI in pregnancy should be treated in time to prevent any consequences for the growing baby. Prevention of any infections should be prevented by observing precautions.
