5 Effective ways to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy

One of the conditions that pregnant women need to watch out for is urinary tract infections (UTIs). This disease has a cure. However, it is not uncommon for pregnant women not to realize that they have a UTI, so they do not seek treatment and have bad consequences. Therefore, it is better for pregnant women to prevent UTIs. Then, how to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy?

Risk of urinary tract infections during pregnancy

Urinary tract infection or UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs in a person's urinary system, including the urethra (urethra), ureters (urethra), bladder, and even the kidneys.

This disease is prone to occur in pregnant women and the causes are various. WebMD says, hormonal changes during pregnancy cause changes in the urinary tract so that you are more likely to experience infection.

In addition, an enlarged uterus can put pressure on the bladder, making it difficult for pregnant women to pass all of their urine. The remainder of the urine can be a source of infection.

Sexual intercourse can also be a cause of UTIs. During sexual intercourse, bacteria from the colon and vagina can enter the urethra, causing infection.

Most UTIs are not serious health problems, but if not treated promptly, they can cause complications. In pregnant women, complications that may occur, namely preterm delivery, low birth weight, and even sepsis.

How to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy

To prevent UTIs in pregnant women, there are several ways you can do. The following are ways to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy that you need to do.

1. Keep the urethra clean

You have to make sure your urethra is always clean, especially after urinating. This needs to be done to prevent the spread of bacteria and enter the urinary tract. To keep the urethra clean, there are several things you can do, namely:

Rinse immediately and carefully wash around the genitals and anus after urinating.
Use warm water to rinse.
Dry by wiping from front to back after rinsing.
Avoid using antiseptic soaps, which can irritate them.
Do not soak more than 30 minutes in the tub and no more than twice a day to prevent bacteria from entering.
Use cotton pants.
Be diligent in changing your underwear.
Avoid wearing underpants and pants that are too tight.

2. Drink plenty of water

You also have to make sure your body stays hydrated to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

The more you drink, the more you urinate. As for urination, it is an effective way to clean germs from the bladder and urinary tract.

3. Do not hold back urination

Holding back urination is certainly not good, including for pregnant women. This can lead to infection. Therefore, to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy, immediately go to the toilet when you want to urinate or at least urinate every 2-3 hours.

In addition, pregnant women must also ensure that there is no remaining urine after urinating. Wait a few minutes to make sure you don't have any leftovers.

You should always urinate after and before sexual intercourse to avoid spreading bacteria into the urethra.

4. Watch your food intake

Pregnant women must also meet their nutritional needs. Eat a healthy diet while pregnant and avoid processed foods, caffeine, alcohol and sugar. On the other hand, consume at least 250-500 mg of vitamin C per day, 25,000-50,000 IU of beta carotene per day, and 30-50 mg of zinc per day to prevent infections, including UTIs, during pregnancy.

5. Drink cranberry juice

In addition to the methods above, many experts say cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Cranberries can prevent Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from the intestine from sticking to the bladder. However, you have to make sure the cranberry juice doesn't contain sugar to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Ask your gynecologist about the consumption of this juice.