Urinary Tract Infection While Pregnant

How To Reduce Fever With Natural Remedies

Here are a few natural home remedies to cool the body during a fever in pregnancy.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as fresh homemade juices and coconut water, to help the body manage the fever better. You may also drink warm water if you have a fever with congestion.

Dress comfortably: Wear loose clothing made from light and breathable fabrics. It will provide adequate ventilation to your body.

Rest well: Exhaustion often accompanies fever hence rest well. Good rest helps in recouping the bodyâs strength.

Stay in a cool area: Stay in a cool and well-ventilated room. Avoid using an air conditioner as it may make you feel cold. Instead, keep the room airy with the help of a table or ceiling fan.

Gargle: If you have the flu, gargling with warm salty water could feel soothing to the irritated throat. It may also make you feel better and make it easier to tolerate the fever.

Eat healthily: Consume foods with immune-boosting power. Eat a hygienically prepared, balanced diet. Have small frequent meals instead of eating large portions at once.

Sponge the body: Soak a washcloth in water at room temperature and place it on your forehead. You may also rub the wet washcloth on your hands and legs. This can help reduce the body temperature through water evaporation.

Uti Treatment: What To Expect

UTI treatments during pregnancy are safe and easy, usually involving a short course of oral antibiotics. There are two exceptions:

• If you continue to have UTIs after we treat the first one, we may recommend suppressive therapy. You will take a lower dose of antibiotics every day of your pregnancy instead of larger doses for just a few days.
• If you have pyelonephritis , you will need to receive antibiotics through an IV at a hospital.

For most patients, receiving antibiotic treatment is much safer than risking a kidney infection. We will discuss all your health conditions and pregnancy symptoms to determine the best type of antibiotic for you, depending on what will work effectively against the bacteria in your urine.

How Can A Uti Be Prevented

A urinary tract infection can be prevented easily in most cases, although some people are more prone to getting the than others due to factors such as immune system effectiveness, sexual encounter frequency and number of partners and diet. By drinking a copious amount of water and antioxidant juice such as blueberry or cranberry juice every day, your body has enough productivity to keep liquids flowing and lessen the ability for bacteria to set into your bladder or urinary system. Though it is not easy, eliminating sugars, caffeinated drinks, fried and refined foods and caustic substances from your diet can greatly reduce your risk for developing a UTI during pregnancy. Make sure that you finish urinating completely and that you go without holding urine for too long once the urge is felt.

During pregnancy, it is imperative that after and before engaging in intercourse, you empty your bladder and urinary tract in order to prevent infections from developing as well. If you are under the care of a doctor for a UTI, it is also advisable that no sexual intercourse be had so that you can get rid of your symptoms fully and that they dont get worse. Hot baths for more than 30 minutes are ill advised. It is also necessary to refrain from using feminine hygiene products such as douche or sprays while symptoms persist.

• Guest Author: Caroline Lewis Being pregnant is hard enough with the nausea, hip pain and

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How To Use Baking Soda For A Uti

Proponents of the baking soda method for treating a UTI claim that baking soda neutralizes the acid in your urine, which allows your body to take care of the bacteria on its own. They also claim that baking soda helps detoxify your kidneys, which stops the infection from spreading there and causing damage.

To use baking soda as a treatment for a UTI, its recommended that you dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in water and drink it on an empty stomach.

Why Are Utis Common In Pregnant Women

When youre pregnant, the anatomy of your urinary tract actually changes. For instance, your kidneys become larger and your growing uterus can compress your ureters and bladder. Because of this compression, fully emptying your bladder during pregnancy becomes more difficult. In addition, your progesterone and estrogen levels increase during pregnancy, which can weaken your bladder and ureters. Pregnancy also alters the makeup of your urine, reducing the acidity and increasing the amount of protein, hormones, and sugar in your urine. That excess sugar, for one, can encourage bacterial growth. All of the above contribute to a heightened chance of developing a UTI in pregnancy. And that is why its recommended that all pregnant women receive a urinalysis and urine culture at 12 to 16 weeks or during the first prenatal visit.

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How Common Are Utis During Pregnancy

At least 5 percent of women can expect to develop at least one UTI during pregnancy those who develop one have a 1 in 3 chance of an encore later.

During pregnancy, the compression of your expanding uterus, the muscle-relaxing hormones flooding your body and the challenge of keeping your perineal area clean due to your baby bump make it even easier for intestinal bacteria to enter your urinary tract, leading to UTIs.

While bladder infections are more common among non-pregnant women, kidney infections are about twice as common in expecting women as bladder infections. That said, they’re still quite rare, occurring in only about 2 percent of pregnancies.

How Are Utis In Pregnancy Diagnosed

UTIs are diagnosed by doing a urine culture test that looks for bacteria, red cells and white cells in your urine . This is usually done in the first trimester and is different to the urine test to see if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will send a sample of your urine to the laboratory to be tested. If bacteria are found in the urine, the sample will be cultured and tested for antibiotic sensitivities to check which antibiotics will work best.

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What Is A Uti In Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections affect up to 10% of mothers during pregnancy. Studies show that it is the second most common ailment that occurs in pregnant women.

UTI symptoms can vary from a bit of discomfort to moderate pain. Because of its persistence, getting a UTI can be a frustrating experience. For pregnant women, UTIs should be treated with care. This type of infection is not only more uncomfortable but can cause severe complications for both the mother and the unborn child. All UTIs during pregnancy require medical attention.

Antibiotics are a well-known and common treatment for many UTIs. But because UTIs are often chronic or recurring, antibiotic resistance is a concern when considering treatment plans for UTI patients. Short courses of antibiotics are shown to be safe for the mother-to-be and her baby, but antibiotic use during pregnancy should be handled with care and consistent monitoring by a medical professional.

Always seek medical advice before trying to ease your UTI symptoms with home remedies. Under medical supervision, some at-home treatments may help resolve your UTI.

How Are Utis Diagnosed

UTIs are diagnosed by taking a urine sample which is checked in a laboratory for bacteria. Your doctor may also perform a physical examination if they think you have an infection.

All pregnant women are offered a urine test, usually at their first antenatal visit or soon after. You may need to repeat the urine test if you have a history of UTIs have symptoms of a UTI have a contaminated sample or if your doctor thinks you are at high risk of developing a UTI. If you have frequent UTIs, you may also need additional tests such as an ultrasound of your kidneys.

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Practice These Healthy Habits

Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.

First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .

Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .

Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .

Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .

SUMMARY

Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.

Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.

Here are a few supplements that have been studied:

• D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (

How To Prevent Fever During Pregnancy

You may prevent fever during pregnancy through some precautions and preventive measures. Most of these measures involve avoiding pathogens and infections that lead to fever in the first place.

Wash your hands frequently with a hand wash.

Get your vaccinations against seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza on time.

Maintain distance from ill people.

Avoid eating foods outside.

Eat hygienically prepared homemade food.

Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk. Purchase food products approved by food regulatory bodies.

Do not visit hot tubs, saunas, or tanning beds that increase your body temperature and may cause a temporary fever.

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About Utis And Kidney Infections While Pregnant

A urinary tract infection is a very common medical complication of pregnancy. Unless treated, a UTI can cause serious problems in pregnancy. Normal urine is sterile. It contains fluids, salts, and waste products, but is free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The tissues of the bladder are isolated from urine and toxic substances by a coating that discourages bacteria from attaching and growing on the bladder wall.

The main parts of the urinary tract are:

• Two kidneys. A pair of purplish-brown organs located below the ribs toward the middle of the back.

• Two ureters. Narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

• Bladder. A triangle-shaped, hollow organ located in the lower abdomen.

• Two sphincter muscles. Circular muscles that help keep urine from leaking by closing tightly like a rubber band around the opening of the bladder.

• Urethra. The tube that allows urine to pass outside the body.

Increase Vitamin C Intake

Some evidence shows that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against urinary tract infections.

Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection .

An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 mg of vitamin C every day .

The study found that vitamin C had a protective effect, cutting the risk of UTIs by more than half in those taking vitamin C, compared with the control group .

Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.

Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C in just one serving .

Despite these studies, there is still more research needed to prove the effectiveness of vitamin C for reducing UTIs. .

SUMMARY

Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.

Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection .

In a 2016 study, women with recent histories of UTIs drank an 8-ounce serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks. Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group .

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Why Are Utis More Common During Pregnancy

Hormones are one reason. In pregnancy, they cause changes in the urinary tract, and that makes women more likely to get infections. Changes in hormones can also lead to vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which your pee flows back up from your bladder to your kidneys. This can cause UTIs.

When youâre pregnant, your pee has more sugar, protein, and hormones in it. These changes also put you at higher risk for a UTI.

Because youâre pregnant, your growing uterus presses on your bladder. That makes it hard for you to let out all the urine in your bladder. Leftover urine can be a source of infection.

Other causes of UTIs include:

Escherichia coli and other bacteria from your poop. E. Coli is the most common cause of UTIs and can move from your rectum to your urethra if you donât wipe from front to back.

Sexual activity. Fingers, your partnerâs penis, or devices can move bacteria near your vagina into your urethra.

Group B streptococcus. Many women have this bacteria in their colon and vagina. It can cause UTIs and women can pass it to their newborns. Your doctor will test you for this bacteria around weeks 36 to 37 of pregnancy. If youâre positive for group B strep, your doctor will give you IV antibiotics during labor.

How Do I Know If I Have A Uti

Signs of a urinary tract infection can include pain during sex, pain while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, weakened urine stream, burning, blood in urine, a foul odor, fever or even cramping. Any of these are alarming in a normal state, but certain symptoms such as cramping or fever can be detrimental to a baby or pregnant mother. When urinary tract infections go untreated, it can lead to an even more severe infection in the kidneys. This can cause an extremely low birth weight or premature labor in some cases, so it is important to get diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

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Interventions For Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy

Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in women generally, and particularly in pregnant women. A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract due to the presence of bacteria in the urine . During pregnancy, UTI may be a serious complication that is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child including preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age babies. Therefore, it is important to define the optimal intervention for preventing RUTI during pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes. Interventions used to prevent RUTI in pregnant women can be pharmacological or non-pharmacological . So far, little is known about the best way to prevent RUTI in pregnant women.

A daily dose of nitrofurantoin and close surveillance has not been shown to prevent RUTI compared with close surveillance alone. A significant reduction of ASB was found in women with a high clinic attendance rate and who received nitrofurantoin and close surveillance. There was limited reporting of both primary and secondary outcomes for both women and infants. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the optimal intervention to prevent RUTI in women who are pregnant. Randomised controlled trials comparing different pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are necessary to investigate potentially effective interventions to prevent RUTI in women who are pregnant.

To assess the effects of interventions for preventing RUTI in pregnant women.

Urine Infection In Pregnancy

In this series

Urine infection is common in pregnancy. If left untreated some urine infections may progress to cause serious kidney infection. Treatment is with a medicine called an antibiotic. The aim is to cure the infection and also to prevent possible complications.

In this article

• What is the treatment for a urine infection in pregnancy?

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What Do My Results Mean

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Where you have no symptoms and bacteria are found in your urine.
• Cystitis or UTI: Where bacteria are found in your urine and you have lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis: If you have the above symptoms, and also have symptoms or signs of fever or feeling unwell, this may indicate upper urinary tract infection such as pyelonephritis.

Your doctor will discuss your results and the appropriate treatment for your situation with you.

Why Are Utis Common During Pregnancy

UTIs are common during pregnancy. Thats because the growing fetus can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. This traps bacteria or causes urine to leak.

There are also physical changes to consider. As early as six weeks gestation, almost all pregnant women experience ureteral dilation, when the urethra expands and continues to expand until delivery.

The larger urinary tract, along with increased bladder volume and decreased bladder tone, all cause the urine to become more still in the urethra. This allows bacteria to grow.

To make matters worse, a pregnant womans urine gets more concentrated. It also has certain types of hormones and sugar. These can encourage bacterial growth and lower your bodys ability to fight off bad bacteria trying to get in.

2 and 10 percent of pregnant women experience a UTI. Even more worrisome, UTIs tend to reoccur frequently during pregnancy.

Women whove had UTIs before are more prone to get them during pregnancy. The same goes for women whove had several children.

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What Causes A Urine Infection

Most urine infections are caused by bacteria which come from your own bowel. They cause no harm in your bowel but can cause infection if they get into other parts of your body. Some bacteria lie around your back passage after you pass a stool . These bacteria can sometimes travel to your urethra and into your bladder. Some bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly to cause infection.

Women are more prone than men to urine infections, as their urethra is shorter and opens nearer the anus. Pregnant women are also more prone than non-pregnant women to urine infections. This is partly due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy which affect the urinary tract and tend to slow down the flow of urine. It also may be that the enlarged womb presses on the bladder and prevents it draining as well. If urine does not drain quickly from the bladder, germs are more able to multiply and cause an infection.

Less commonly there may be other causes of a urine infection. If you have to have a tube passed into your bladder, it is easier for germs to directly reach your bladder, and this may make urine infection more likely. Occasionally for people whose immune systems are not working well, the infection may spread through the bloodstream rather than up the urinary tubes.