UTI And Pregnancy
ANSWERS
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of some part of your body’s urinary system, which includes your:
Ureters of the Kidneys (tubes that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder)
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria in the bladder urethra (a short tube that transports urine from your bladder to the outside of your body). Anyone can get one, but women are more likely to get them, and they can be especially concerning if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you suspect you have a UTI. You and your baby should be okay with proper care.
These infections are most commonly found in the bladder and urethra. However, they can occasionally cause kidney infections. UTIs can cause preterm labor (having a baby too soon) and low birth weight if they do.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of some part of your body’s urinary system, which includes your:
- Ureters of the Kidneys (tubes that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder)
- Urethra Bladder (a short tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body)
Bacteria cause most UTIs. Anyone can get one, but women are more likely to get them, and they can be especially concerning if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you suspect you have a UTI. You and your baby should be fine with proper care.
These infections are most commonly found in the bladder and urethra. However, they can occasionally cause kidney infections. UTIs can cause preterm labor (having a baby too soon) and low birth weight if they do.
Why Are Urinary Tract Infections More Common During Pregnancy?
Hormones are one of the causes. They cause changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy, making women more susceptible to infections. Hormone fluctuations can also cause vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine flows back up from the bladder to the kidneys. This can result in UTIs.
When you are pregnant, your urine contains more sugar, protein, and hormones. These changes also increase your chances of getting a UTI.
Because you are pregnant, your uterus is pressing on your bladder. This makes it difficult for you to empty your bladder. Leftover urine can be an infection source.
UTIs can also be caused by the following:
Escherichia coli and other bacteria are found in your feces. The most common cause of UTIs is E. Coli, which can spread from your rectum to your urethra if you do not wipe from front to back.
Sexual behavior. Bacteria can be moved into your urethra by your fingers, partner’s penis, or devices near your vagina.
Streptococcus group B. This bacteria is found in the colon and vagina of many women. It can cause UTIs and can be passed on to newborns by mothers. Around weeks 36 to 37 of pregnancy, your doctor will test you for this bacteria. If you have group B strep, your doctor will administer IV antibiotics to you during labor.
Why Are Urinary Tract Infections More Common During Pregnancy?
Hormones are one of the causes. They cause changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy, making women more susceptible to infections. Hormone fluctuations can also cause vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine flows back up from the bladder to the kidneys. This can result in UTIs.
When you are pregnant, your urine contains more sugar, protein, and hormones. These changes also increase your chances of getting a UTI.
Because you are pregnant, your uterus is pressing on your bladder. This makes it difficult for you to empty your bladder. Leftover urine can be an infection source.
UTIs can also be caused by the following:
Escherichia coli and other bacteria are found in your feces. The most common cause of UTIs is E. Coli, which can spread from your rectum to your urethra if you do not wipe from front to back.
Sexual behavior. Bacteria can be moved into your urethra by your fingers, partner’s penis, or devices near your vagina.
Streptococcus group B. This bacteria is found in the colon and vagina of many women. It can cause UTIs and can be passed on to newborns by mothers. Around weeks 36 to 37 of pregnancy, your doctor will test you for this bacteria. If you have group B strep, your doctor will administer IV antibiotics to you during labor.
To try to avoid getting a UTI, do the following:
- Consume at least eight glasses of water per day.
- When you go to the bathroom, wipe yourself from front to back.
- Before and after sex, empty your bladder.
- Choose a water-based lubricant if you need one during sex.
- Do not be a jerk.
- Avoid irritant-causing feminine deodorants and soaps.
- Before having sex, wash your genital area with warm water.
- Put on cotton underwear.
- Shower instead of bathing.
- Wearing too-tight pants is not acceptable.
- Pee frequently.
- Alcohol, citrus juices, spicy foods, and caffeinated beverages can all irritate your bladder.
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