Urinary tract infection in pregnancy: know the symptoms and learn how to treat

Pregnancy is a wonderful stage in any woman’s life, but it is normal to bring with it some undesirable symptoms, such as urinary tract infection, also known as cystitis.

As explained by urologist and professor at FMABC (Faculty of Medicine of ABC), Marcos Tobias Machado, “urinary tract infection consists of the presence of bacteria in the urine with clinical repercussions”. Although unpleasant, it can be easily treated if diagnosed in advance. Check out the main symptoms below:

Symptoms

• Pain to urinate;
• Increased urinary frequency;
• In more severe cases, lower back pain and fever;
• Possibility of septicemia (generalized infection).

When getting pregnant, it is important to always be aware of changes in the body and organism. The symptoms of urinary tract infection are characteristic and, in case they manifest, the first step to be taken is to seek a specialist.

Main causes

According to Dr. Marcos, “women in general are predisposed to urinary tract infection due to the anatomical position of the urethra and anus, allowing bacteria of intestinal origin, such as Escherichia Coli, to penetrate through the urethra”. In pregnant women, the risks are even greater for a few factors:

• Tissue soaking (increase in tissue water content);
• Reduction of local protective factors in the urinary tract;
• Increased blood circulation in the pelvic region, which results in increased moisture in the vagina;
• Enlargement of the uterus, which can cause urine to accumulate in the canal.

Urinary tract infection in pregnancy: how to treat

• Antibiotics: according to the doctor, antibiotics should not cross the placental barrier so as not to harm the baby, “being preferable, in uncomplicated cases, first-generation cephalosporins, such as outpatient oral cephalexin for 7 days”.
• Hospitalization: necessary only in more severe cases with the use of intravenous antibiotics. “Cases associated with urinary tract obstruction may require a surgical procedure to drain the urine”, completes Marcos.

home treatments

• Hydration: drinking plenty of water helps in hydrating the body, also contributing to the dilution of urine, in order to prevent it from crystallizing.
• Cranberry Juice: Rich in vitamins C and E, cranberry helps treat and fight new episodes of urinary tract infection.
• Vitamin C Intake: Just like cranberry, other fruits are also rich in vitamin C (which helps flush out toxins from the body), such as: orange, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, black currant, etc.
• Basil tea: with an inhibitory action, basil tea is ideal for fighting urinary infection bacteria.

Starting the proper treatment as soon as possible is extremely important to cure the urinary infection and prevent the condition from getting worse. Combined with antibiotics and homemade measures, some simple daily actions help to combat the problem, such as urinating before and after sexual intercourse, performing intimate hygiene daily and consuming diuretic foods (watermelon, asparagus, soursop, orange, among others). ).

Common questions

More common among women, urinary infection still raises questions, especially during pregnancy. To clarify, Dr. Marcos answers the main questions:

1. Is it allowed to have sex during pregnancy and with a urinary tract infection?

“It is recommended not to. The risk of worsening the picture is great with the rise of germs to the kidneys. One should therefore wait for the infection to be completely cured before the couple can have sex again.”

2. Does urinary infection bring risks to the baby?

“The presence of untreated urinary tract infection is associated with the birth of small-for-gestational-age babies and preterm labor, which can have sequelae in the newborn.”

3. Can a urinary tract infection become more dangerous during the last weeks of pregnancy?

“Yes, it can even induce premature labor.”

4. What are the risks for the mother and baby if the urinary tract infection is not treated properly?

“More severe cases of urinary tract infection can cause the mother to lose a kidney or even a generalized infection. The baby, on the other hand, can be born underweight and with all the consequences of a premature birth.”

5. What to do to prevent urinary tract infection?

“A urine culture is part of the routine prenatal exams, which detects whether there is any bacteria in the pregnant woman’s urine. Carrying out this exam and going through the consultations regularly are the main preventive actions against urinary infection during pregnancy.”

As the saying goes, prevention is always the best medicine. But if they notice the first symptoms of a urinary tract infection, women should seek immediate treatment recommended by their doctor. With proper attention and care, it is possible for moms to have a healthy and risk-free pregnancy!