One of the less pleasant aspects of this period can be urinary tract infections and inflammation.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat them. Find out how to do it.
Urinary tract inflammation in pregnancy occurs quite often. This is mainly due to an enlarging uterus that puts pressure on the urinary tract and bladder, which cannot empty sufficiently. The disease should not be underestimated, because untreated urinary tract inflammation in pregnancy carries risks.
Urethritis, or popularly “cystitis” in pregnancy, manifests itself mainly as:
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Feeling of an unemptied bladder after urination.
• Burning, cutting and pain in the urethra.
• Pain in the back and lower abdomen.
• Smelly dark or strongly foamy urine.
• Urinary sediment or white bits in the urine.
• Blood in the urine.
Beware, up to 40% of pregnant women have asymptomatic urinary tract inflammation, which can develop into more serious kidney inflammation or cause premature birth if not treated.
The basic examination is the analysis of urine using diagnostic strips that monitor the amount of protein. The normal level of protein in the urine is 150 – 300 mg, higher levels may indicate health problems such as just upper urinary tract infections, lower urinary tract infections or pre-eclampsia.
A urine check is therefore part of regular preventive check-ups in pregnancy. If the test reveals elevated proteins, a microbiological examination of the urine for the presence of bacteria follows.
Bladder inflammation (cystitis) often occurs in the 1st trimester. This mainly affects younger women, often in connection with sexual intercourse. Symptoms include urge to urinate, burning and cutting in the urethra.
In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, inflammation of the upper urinary tract and kidneys (pyelonephritis) is more common. This may also be accompanied by fever, pain in the side or back.
Treatment usually consists of taking antibiotics, and the most appropriate ones for both the pregnant woman and the baby are prescribed. To relieve any pain, paracetamol medication can be taken, in consultation with the doctor. Support to the treatment is enough rest to allow the body to fight the infection.
“At the first signs of infection or while taking antibiotics, it is important to increase fluid intake to 2-3 litres a day and to supplement vitamins. A woman can also help herself with products with cranberries, which support the proper functioning of the urinary tract,” says Kristýna Koutná, MD.
For urinary tract health in pregnancy, D-mannose is very useful to help flush bacteria out of the body. You can find it, for example, in the soluble drink GYNELLA Cystilab, which is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Intimate hygiene also supports the treatment. Use GYNELLA Intimate gentle wash products to help maintain normal vaginal microflora.
Prevention of bladder inflammation is key. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of infection:
• Drink plenty, ideally plain water or unsweetened teas.
• Don’t delay going to the toilet when you feel the need. Regular urination helps flush bacteria out of the bladder.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to keep bacteria out of the urethra.
• Avoid vaginal rinses and douche gels.
• Use gentle intimate washing products for washing. Wash the intimate area 1-2 times a day, avoid excessive hygiene (3 or more times a day).
• Limit consumption of overly sweet and spicy food that can irritate the bladder.
No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, attend all recommended pregnancy check-ups. In addition to urinary tract inflammation, vaginal inflammation and other difficulties we wrote about here can also bother you during this period.
Remember that early detection of inflammation is the key to its successful treatment. Keep your doctor informed regarding any symptoms you have so that he can help you on your way to a healthy pregnancy.
Sources:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults
https://flo.health/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/illnesses-and-infections/uti-during-pregnancy
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/452604-overview?form=fpf
