Are UTI’s common in pregnant women?

Posted: March 3, 2017/Under: Women's Health/By: IFC Team

Are UTI’s common in pregnant women?

Expecting mothers develop symptoms of urinary tract infections usually 6th week to 24th week of their pregnancy. It occurs due to inflammation caused by bacterium in the urinary tract of expecting women.

A woman’s urinary tract comprises of Kidneys (responsible for production of urine), Ureter (duct for urine passage to bladder) and Urethra (tube connecting the urinary bladder to urinary meatus). When a woman become pregnant, the urinary tract undergoes various changes and as the uterus grows in size, it builds pressure and blocks the passage of urine from the bladder, resulting in infection.

Common symptoms indicating Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s):

  • Urinating more than usual
  • Pain or burning sensations while urinating
  • Drops of blood or mucus in urine
  • Changes in urine amount
  • Cloudy urine
  • Pain in the lower abdomen
  • Chills, fever and sweats
  • Discomfort during intercourse
  • Foul smelling urine

If you have been diagnosed with UTI, do not get worried. It occurs in almost every would-be mother. It can be treated with a simple antibiotic course to eliminate the infection as prescribed by your obs & gyne doctor. Once it gets cured, you should follow the below tips to prevent recurrence of UTIs.

Tips to Prevent Recurrence Of UTIs

There is no proven way to overcome urinary tract infections but if you follow a few preventive measures, you will have fairly low chances of developing UTIs in your pregnancy phase.

Proper Hydration

Drinking a lots of water will help flush out unwanted bacteria and clear germs present in your urethra and bladder. Have 8-10 glasses of water every day.

Good Personal Hygiene

Wipe off from front to back after urinating to prevent spreading of bacterium.

Urinate As And When Required

If you have a UTI, it is common to feel the urge to urinate couple of times in a day. So urinate whenever possible and wait till your bladder is completely empty.

Urinate Before And After Intercourse

Make sure that you urinate before and after intercourse to avoid accumulation of genital bacteria in your bladder.

Abstain from Caffeine

In case of UTI, pregnant women should avoid having caffeinated foods and drinks such as coffee, cold drinks and chocolates. This will prevent irritations in bladder and increase in inflammation.

Grab A Glass Of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries prevent E.coli bacteria to stick to your bladder. You can consider talking to your obs & gyne specialist before popping any cranberry medicines.

Closing Thoughts

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes infinite changes, be it physically, emotionally or mentally. Many women have reported of urinary tract infections in their pregnancy days. There are many factors responsible for the occurrence of UTIs in pregnant women. The hormonal changes increase the chance of E.colic bacteria to reach to the urinary bladder. However, you need not worry, your gyne is always there to help you have a smooth pregnancy journey.

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