Urinary tract infections in pregnant women: signs, causes and treatment

x

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnant women?

UTIs are bacterial infections that attack the urinary or urinary tract and surrounding organs.

Bacteria can enter through the urethra (urethra) and then infect the urethra (ureter), bladder, and possibly even the kidneys.

Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men. This is because the length of the urethra in women is shorter than that of men, making it easier for bacteria to enter and infect the urinary tract.

In women, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in pregnant women because of the push from the uterus which is just above the bladder.

As the uterus gets bigger and bigger, the extra weight can block the flow of urine from the bladder.

As a result, pregnant women find it more difficult to empty the bladder completely and often hold urine during pregnancy.

This results in bacteria accumulating in the urethra and is prone to causing UTIs.

How common are urinary tract infections in pregnant women?

Quoting from the American Family Physician (AAFP), pregnant women are at high risk of developing urinary tract infections. It starts at the sixth week of pregnancy until it peaks at the 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

In the journal Archives of Medical Sciences, about 2 to 10 percent of pregnant women develop urinary tract infections due to holding urine during pregnancy.

UTIs tend to recur frequently during pregnancy even though you may not hold your urine frequently during pregnancy.

Women who have had a previous UTI are more prone to get them again during pregnancy.

Types of urinary tract infections in pregnant women

During pregnancy, body changes are very normal, including in the urinary tract.

Here are some types of urinary tract infections in pregnant women, quoted from the Children Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP):

1. Cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder which is usually caused by an infection of the bladder. This is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women.

Cystitis often occurs in women aged 20-50 years and who are sexually active.

2. Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a type of urinary tract infection that has no symptoms and is often caused by bacteria that were present in a woman's body before pregnancy.

This type of infection can occur in 5 to 10 percent of pregnant women. In most cases, this type of urinary tract infection clears up on its own.

3.Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)

Bacteria that cause urinary tract infections in pregnant women can move from the openings, ducts, or bladder to the kidneys when pregnant women hold their urine.

Bacterial infection of the kidneys of pregnant women is called pyelonephritis and can affect one kidney or both.

Kidney infection due to bacterial UTIs is one of the serious pregnancy complications that can threaten the life of pregnant women and the fetus.

This condition can increase the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, or stillbirths (stillbirth).

Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections in pregnant women

The following symptoms appear when pregnant women have an infection of the urinary tract:

• Frequent urge and frequent urination
• Pain when urinating
• There is a burning or cramping sensation in the lower back or lower abdomen
• Urine that looks cloudy or smells bad
• Fever, chills and sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Back pain

When holding urine during pregnancy, the bacteria that cause infection spreads to the kidneys. Then pregnant women will experience back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women

Bacteria Escheria coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections, but can also be caused by other species.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnant women can occur when the intimate organs are not cleaned properly.

In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause changes in the urinary tract so that you are prone to infection.

The condition of the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the bladder, this makes it difficult for pregnant women to pass urine. The remainder of the urine that does not pass can be a source of infection.

Risk factors for UTIs in pregnant women

Apart from the growing uterus that presses on the urethra, the following things can increase the risk of UTIs in pregnant women:

1. Clean the genitals from back to front

Bacteria E. coli the most common cause of UTI in pregnant women comes from the intestine so that it is common in the anus.

So, cleaning the genitals by wiping from back to front (rectally first then vaginal) can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

We recommend that you wipe or clean the genitals starting from the front (urethra) to the back (anus or rectum).

This is useful so that bacteria from the rectum do not move into the urethra after passing stool or urination and prevent UTIs.

2. Changes in pregnancy hormones

Increased hormones can also increase the risk of UTIs in pregnant women. Hormonal changes make it easier for bacteria to thrive in a moist vagina.

What's more, the location between the vaginal opening and the urinary opening is so close together that it is easier for bacteria to move and infect.

3. Have sex

Having sex during pregnancy is fine and recommended by doctors under certain conditions. However, having sex during pregnancy increases the risk of a UTI.

UTIs can occur as a result of having sex because penetration allows bacteria near the vagina (including E. coli) to push and move into the urethra.

Therefore, it is important to urinate before and after sex so that no bacteria are left in the intimate area.

Several other risk factors that cause urinary tract infections in pregnant women, namely:

• Have had UTIs several times (recurring UTIs).
• Have gestational diabetes.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Have sickle cell anemia.
• Previous urinary tract surgery.
• Have damage to the nerves that control the bladder such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or physical injury.

If you have some of the factors above, consult your doctor for further treatment.

Impact and influence of urinary tract infections during pregnancy

Inflammation in the body due to infections, including urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of harm to pregnant women.

The reason is that during inflammation, the immune system will continue to produce prostaglandin hormone compounds. Prostaglandin levels that are too high in the body can cause the uterus to contract strongly.

Uterine contractions can trigger labor to start prematurely by causing the opening of the cervix (cervix). This can be a cause of premature birth.

Diagnosis of UTI in pregnant women

To detect a UTI in pregnant women, doctors will generally perform several tests, such as:

1. Urine test

When the doctor suspects a UTI, he or she may order a urine test immediately.

After that, the urine sample will be examined in the laboratory for the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria.

To avoid contamination of the sample, you must clean the genital area using an antiseptic before collecting urine.

2. Urine culture

This test is sometimes done after a urine analysis test. The doctor will use a urine sample to check for possible bacterial growth. Later it will also check which bacteria cause the UTI.

3. Cystogram

This is a urinary tract infection diagnostic test that uses an X-ray scanner of the urethra to detect problems such as kidney stones and inflammation.

4. Cystoscopic examination

This examination is done by inserting a small tube into the urethra to check for abnormalities or not in the bladder.

If the pregnant woman is diagnosed with a UTI positive, the doctor will perform the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of urinary tract infections in pregnant women

The standard for treating a UTI is to take the antibiotic medication your doctor prescribes.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs in pregnant women are generally minocycline or penilisin such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin.

It is recommended that antibiotics for UTIs in pregnant women be taken for three to seven days.

Antibiotics must be spent until the deadline for the dose determined by the doctor, even if you feel better.

Home remedies for UTIs in pregnant women

These healthy habits can help avoid the risk of urinary tract infections during pregnancy. It is also effective in overcoming UTIs that have already appeared.

Here are some remedies that you can do at home:

1. Drink lots of water

In addition to preventing dehydration, getting plenty of fluids can speed up UTI healing.

The reason is, the more water you drink, the more frequent you will urinate to flush out excess bacteria in the urinary tract.

Ensure that you are not getting enough fluids in your body by trying to drink 8-10 glasses per day.

2. Fulfill nutritional intake

Make sure pregnant women eat healthy and nutritious foods, especially those high in vitamin C, beta carotene and zinc.

All three can strengthen the immune system to prevent and fight UTIs.

3. Avoid holding urine during pregnancy

Pregnant women must urinate immediately and should not be put off, let alone hold it back. Also make sure that pregnant women do not leave urine when urinating.

Always have to pee thoroughly. This is so that no bacteria are left in the urinary system until they multiply and infect.

Don't forget to get in the habit of urinating before and after sex to get rid of the bacteria that move during intercourse.

4. Keep the urethra clean

After urinating, immediately rinse the intimate area clean from front to back. This is done to prevent the spread of bacteria from moving from the anus to the vagina or urethra.

Dry well so that the vagina is not constantly in a damp condition. Avoid cleaning the vagina using antiseptic soap.

In addition, regularly change your underwear and wear cotton underwear to prevent the feminine area from becoming damp.

In essence, maintaining the cleanliness of the genital area during pregnancy is a mandatory thing that should not be forgotten.

If done regularly and in the right way, the four simple habits mentioned above can help prevent and treat UTIs.

5. Cranberry juice

This juice can prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall or urinary tract.

You can eat dried cranberries or supplements. Avoid this method if using blood thinners such as aspirin.

6. Consume more vitamin C

Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and helps fight infections. Get vitamin C from eating oranges, lemons, berries, apricots, peppers, and tomatoes.

However, you should still consult your doctor first to find the safest natural way to deal with UTIs in pregnant women.