Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) during pregnancy? Don't be afraid, let's talk!

You might think that it's normal to occasionally leak urine and have to urinate frequently when you're pregnant, right? But if these symptoms are accompanied by pain when urinating , or if your urine has changed color, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite common during this time, but there's nothing to worry about, and there are good treatments. Let's find out more about them today.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy?

Simply put, a urinary tract infection is an infection caused by bacteria entering your urinary tract. When this occurs during pregnancy, it is called a 'gestational urinary tract infection'.

Your urinary system includes these parts:

• Urethra: The small tube through which urine comes out.
• Bladder: The sac-like part that stores urine .
• Ureters: The two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Kidneys: The two most important organs that filter waste products from the blood and produce urine .

Normally, there are no bacteria in our urine while we are inside our bodies. However, there are bacteria outside our bodies, especially on the surface of the skin and around the anus. An infection occurs when these bacteria somehow enter the urinary tract.

The risk of developing UTI is higher during pregnancy. Do you know why?

When you're pregnant, especially between weeks 6 and 24, your urinary system changes as your uterus grows. The weight and pressure of the uterus can push on your bladder, causing urine to become blocked. This creates a good environment for bacteria to grow. Also, your immune system is slightly weaker during pregnancy. This makes it harder for germs to attack your body, making you more likely to develop infections like UTIs.

What are the types of urinary tract infections?

There are several types of infections that affect different parts of the urinary system:

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB): This is when you have bacteria in your urinary tract even before you become pregnant, but you don't have any symptoms. This can be dangerous, which is why a urine test is often done at your first prenatal appointment to check for ASB.
• Urethritis: This is an infection of the urethra, the tube through which urine exits.
• Bladder Infection (Cystitis): This is the most common UTI. It is the bladder, where urine collects, that becomes infected.
• Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This is the most dangerous condition. This happens when the infection travels up from the bladder and affects the kidneys. This requires prompt treatment.

What are the symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy?

If you have a UTI, you may have one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria).
• A little blood in the urine .
• The urine has changed color, looks like chalk , and has a strong odor.
• Leaking some urine , not being able to control it (incontinence).
• The need to urinate frequently and the feeling of urgency to urinate .
• Feeling pain during sex.

These are the most common symptoms. However, these symptoms can also be seen sometimes. These are a little less common, but if you have them, you should definitely tell a doctor :

• Fever (body temperature above 100 Fahrenheit / 37.77 Celsius).
• Feeling like you're going cold (chills).
• Vomiting.
• A restless state, an inability to keep one's mind in one place.
• Pain coming from the flank (where the kidneys are).

Remember, if you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay.

What are the main causes of UTI?

The main bacteria that causes UTIs when you're not pregnant is the same bacteria that causes UTIs during pregnancy. That bacteria is called `Escherichia coli` (E. coli) . This E. coli bacteria is responsible for 80% - 90% of UTIs during pregnancy. These bacteria are usually found in our stool (poop). If you wipe from back to front after using the toilet, this E. coli bacteria can enter the urinary tract.

There are several other types of bacteria that can cause UTIs:

• `Proteus mirabilis`
• `Klebsiella pneumoniae`
• `Group B streptococcus`
• ``Staphylococcus saprophyticus''

How do doctors recognize this?

A doctor can do two tests to determine if you have a UTI. Both require you to provide a urine sample.

1. Urinalysis: This tests your urine for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection.

2. Urine culture: This test checks the type of bacteria in your urine . Knowing the exact type of bacteria causing the infection will help your doctor give you the right treatment.

What are the treatments?

Antibiotics are a must for a UTI.You need to take it. The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe and effective for both you and the baby. You will usually need to take this medicine for three to seven days.

Can't this be treated at home?

No. There are no home remedies that can guarantee a complete cure for a UTI. Sometimes, this UTI can progress to a serious kidney infection. Therefore, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you have a UTI , talk to a doctor immediately . If you want to take medication, you must get a prescription from a doctor.

How quickly will I recover after taking the medicine?

If you take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, your symptoms should start to improve after about three days. However, you should take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking it. If it doesn't, talk to your doctor again.

How is the situation after this?

The results of treating a UTI during pregnancy are very good. Although this is a common condition, it can be easily treated with antibiotics. The most important thing is to take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you and for the full duration. If your symptoms persist or worsen, tell your doctor .

How do you avoid getting a UTI?

Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, a UTI can still occur. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk:

Do these things:

• Drink plenty of water. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. It is also said that drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is good.
• Urinate before and after sex.
• Go as soon as you feel the need to urinate , and empty your bladder completely.
• Talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins and supplements you should take. Common recommendations for preventing UTIs include 250-500 milligrams of vitamin C, 25,000-50,000 IU of beta-carotene, and 30-50 milligrams of zinc per day. But be sure to ask your doctor before taking these.
• Wipe from front to back when you go to the bathroom (never from back to front). Keep your genital area clean and dry.
• Change your underwear every day. Wear breathable underwear made of cotton.

Don't do these things:

• Don't stay in the bathtub for more than 30 minutes, and don't take more than two baths a day.
• Don't wear tight pants, leggings, or pantyhose frequently.
• Do not use harsh soaps (perfumed, high pH), douches, or feminine hygiene sprays.

When should you seek medical advice?

If you have symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. You should go to the hospital right away, especially if you have any of these symptoms. These could be signs that the infection has spread to your kidneys:

• Fever
• Pain in the back of the neck (where the kidneys are)
• Shivering due to cold
• Nausea or vomiting

How can you take care of yourself when you have a UTI?

Until the antibiotics start working and the discomfort subsides, you can do the following:

• Talk to your doctor about painkillers that you can take during pregnancy. For example, you might want to ask about things like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or phenazopyridine (AZO®), which is a specific painkiller for UTIs. But don't take any medication without first asking your doctor.
• Drink plenty of water until your urine is clear.
• Urinate frequently, until your bladder is completely empty.

Is this something that happens to many people?

Yes, UTIs are very common during pregnancy. About 8% of pregnant women may experience this condition.

Does a UTI during pregnancy affect the baby?

A UTI usually doesn't affect the baby. However, if the bacteria travel to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) , it can be more serious. Kidney infections can sometimes lead to premature labor or low birth weight . That's why it's important to get treatment as soon as you know you have a UTI.

Can a UTI cause miscarriage?

No. A UTI does not directly cause a miscarriage. However, if left untreated, complications (such as kidney infection) from a UTI can cause problems. That's why it's important to get treatment for a UTI.

Your body goes through so many changes when you're pregnant, right? Sometimes, you may think that passing a little urine or having to urinate frequently is normal during pregnancy. But if you also experience pain when urinating , a change in the color of your urine , or a fever, be sure to tell your doctor . UTIs are common during pregnancy, and they can be cured with proper treatment.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy, but don't worry, there are good treatments.
• If it hurts when you urinate , if you need to urinate frequently, or if your urine changes color, see a doctor without delay.
• You can have a UTI (ASB) even without symptoms, so be sure to get the urine tests your doctor prescribes.
• Antibiotics are required for a UTI. Take the medication for the full duration prescribed by the doctor.
• If you have symptoms of a kidney infection (fever, back pain, vomiting), go to the hospital immediately.
• Simple things like drinking plenty of water and staying clean can help prevent UTIs.
• Although a UTI may not directly affect the baby, if left untreated, it can lead to complications that can affect the baby. Therefore, prompt treatment is very important.

I know you are very concerned about yourself and your baby during this time. So if you have any concerns, even a small one like this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

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