While pregnancy is a time of immense joy and anticipation for many women, it can also be a period of physical discomfort and vulnerability to various health issues for others. One issue that is very common yet recurring is Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). UTIs during pregnancy can be particularly problematic, increasing the risk of preterm labour, low birth weight, and other complications. As a pregnant woman, it's essential to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to prevent and treat UTIs. In this article, we'll share expert advice from Dr Sarika Pandya, Consultant Urologist, Asian institute of nephrology and urology Hyderabad, on how to safeguard your health and that of your unborn baby.
How To Treat And Prevent UTIs In Pregnancy?
“People can often experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy. Left untreated, a UTI can pose a serious health risk to the pregnant person and the fetus, like preterm labour, premature delivery, or even fetal loss,” said Dr Pandya.
She added, “According to one study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8% of pregnant women experience a UTI.”
Causes OfUTIs DuringPregnancy
Dr Pandya explained, “During pregnancy, the uterus expands for the growing fetus. This expansion puts pressure on the bladder and the ureters. The urine is also less acidic and contains more proteins, sugars, and hormones during pregnancy. This combination of factors increases the risk of a UTI.”
“There are three types of UTIs during pregnancy,” states Pandya.
- Asymptomatic: “Approximately 7% of pregnant women may have a UTI that doesn’t cause symptoms. An untreated asymptomatic infection has a 25% chance of advancing to the next level of UTI – bladder and then kidney.”
- Cystitis: “Localised to the bladder, this infection will cause symptoms typically associated with UTIs, such as frequent but small amounts of urine, painful urination, and strong urges to urinate immediately.”
- Pyelonephritis: “This kidney infection can lead to serious issues such as septic shock, anemia, excess lung fluid, and pre-term labor. It typically includes the symptoms of cystitis, plus nausea, fever, chills, and pain in lower back and sides.”
Possible Treatments For UTIs During Pregnancy
“Pregnant women should see their doctor if they have any symptoms of a UTI. Without treatment, a UTI can cause serious complications. A 3-day course of antibiotics may be necessary to treat a UTI during pregnancy. If pregnant women develop a kidney infection during pregnancy, they will need treatment in the hospital. This treatment will involve antibiotics and intravenous fluids,” explained Dr Sarika.
She continued, “A short course of antibiotics is unlikely to cause any harm to a developing fetus. Research suggests that the benefits of taking antibiotics to treat a UTI far outweigh the risks of leaving a UTI without treatment.”
Prevention Of UTIs During Pregnancy
The following tips may help to reduce a person’s likelihood of getting a UTI:
- drink plenty of water
- drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry pills
- wash carefully around the genitals and anus
- pass urine whenever the urge arises, and at least every 2–3 hours
- urinate before and after having sex
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“Pregnant women usually attend a screening to check for UTIs in their early pregnancy. These checks are an important step in helping to prevent UTI infections or detecting them early,” said the doctor.
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