Pregnancy is a very beautiful and hopeful time in your life as you are about to become a mother. However, due to the hormonal changes that occur in your body and other physical changes that accompany the baby's growth, minor health problems can also arise. Among these, one that many people talk about and are a little afraid of is urinary tract infections. We call this ' Urinary Tract Infection ' in English, and it is usually abbreviated as UTI . So today we will talk about everything in a very simple way.
Why is a UTI special during pregnancy?
First, understand this. You are just as likely to get a UTI as someone who is not pregnant. This means that being pregnant does not increase your risk of getting a UTI. However, the most important thing is that if you get a UTI during pregnancy, the complications that can arise from it are much greater.
Now you might be wondering, "Why is that?" There are several reasons.
1. Hormonal changes : During pregnancy, your body's hormone levels change a lot. This causes the muscles in your urinary tract to relax a bit. This relaxation can cause urine to flow a little slower.
2. Uterine pressure: As your baby grows, your uterus also grows. This growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder and ureters. This pressure can make it difficult to completely empty your bladder.
Simply put, the slower the flow of urine and the less urine is left in the bladder, the better the environment for bacteria to grow. The more dangerous thing is that this bacteria can travel up the urinary tract and cause an infection in the kidneys . This is a much more serious condition than a simple UTI.
That's why your doctor will always do a urine test when you go to the clinic. Sometimes you can have bacteria in your urine even if you don't have any symptoms. If you catch it early, you can treat it before it becomes a bigger problem.
What are the symptoms that require a visit to a doctor?
Sometimes these symptoms are obvious. Other times they are subtle. However, it is important to be aware of these symptoms. The sooner you start treatment, the less serious the problem can become.
| Symptom | What to know about this |
|---|---|
| Burning or pain when urinating | This is the main and most common symptom of a UTI. |
| Needing to urinate frequently, but only passing a small amount | Because the bladder is infected and sensitive, even a small amount of urine can make it feel full. |
| Feeling pain or pressure in the lower abdomen | This can also be caused by a bladder infection. |
| Change in urine color (dark, dark) or slight bleeding | Infection can change the appearance of your urine. If you notice any blood, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| Emergency situations that require immediate medical advice! | |
| Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting | If you have one or more of the above symptoms along with these, the infection may have spread to the kidneys. Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Pain in the sides of the back (sides of the spine) | This could be kidney pain. Be careful if you feel pain on either side, below the ribs, rather than in the lower back. |
What should we do to prevent developing a UTI?
There's a saying that goes, " Prevention is better than cure." That applies to UTIs too. If you incorporate these simple habits into your life, you can greatly reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
1. Drink plenty of water.
This is the most important thing. It is essential that you drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. When you drink enough water, you urinate more often. When the urinary tract is regularly flushed in this way, bacteria stop growing in one place. Just like a gutter that is constantly flowing with water does not grow moss.
2. Don't hold in your urine when you urinate.
Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to urinate. Don't wait until you're ready to go. Also, wait until your bladder is completely empty when you urinate. Leaning forward slightly while urinating can help you empty your bladder completely.
3. Take care of cleanliness
When cleaning yourself after going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back . Never wipe from back to front. This can allow bacteria from the anus to enter the vagina and urethra.
4. Choosing underwear
Always wear underwear made of cotton . Cotton underwear absorbs sweat and moisture well. It also allows air to circulate well. This eliminates the moist environment that bacteria need to grow. Avoid tight-fitting underwear made of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester.
5. Definitely go to your clinic.
Don't skip your doctor's clinic appointments. Get all the tests done. Even if you have a UTI without symptoms, you can catch it early and treat it with antibiotics that are safe for both you and your baby.
How does the doctor treat it?
If it is confirmed that you have a UTI, your doctor will prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic for both you and your baby.
Most importantly: Take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Even if you feel better in two or three days, do not stop taking the medication. If you do not take the full course, the infection will not be completely gone and may recur. Never take antibiotics at the pharmacy without consulting a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- If you develop a UTI during pregnancy, the potential complications are high, so it's important to be aware of this.
- If you experience symptoms such as urinary tract infection, lower abdominal pain, or frequent urination, tell a doctor immediately.
- Fever, vomiting, chills, and pain in both sides of the back are warning signs. Go to a hospital immediately.
- Prevention is best. Drink 2-3 liters of water a day, stay clean, and wear cotton underwear.
- Don't skip your clinic appointments. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Do not use any medicine, especially antibiotics, without medical advice.
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