A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in your kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, most often through the urethra. Although the body is designed to defend against the invasion of bacteria, sometimes the natural defense fails, and the invading bacteria immediately begin their assault, multiplying in the bladder.
Urinary tract infections occur more frequently in women than men. This is due to the structure of the female anatomy, sexual activity and hormonal changes that lower estrogen levels.
Pregnancy also increases the risk of urinary tract infections. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, between 2 and 10 percent of pregnant women experience a UTI. During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences many hormonal changes. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract that expand the urethra and bladder, and the makeup of urine itself changes to have a higher concentration of sugar and protein. These physical changes increase the susceptibility of an infection in the urinary tract.
Another reason a woman who is pregnant is more at risk of a UTI is that as the baby grows, her uterus presses on her bladder, making it hard to eliminate all the urine. Urine that remains in the bladder can cause infection.
The symptoms of a UTI are easily recognized and include a frequent and urgent need to pee, a burning feeling when you pee, cramps in the lower belly and cloudy or bloody urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your OB/GYN.
An untreated UTI can cause serious complications for pregnancy including preterm labor, serious or long-term infection and anemia.
UTI’s are treated with antibiotics, of which several of the most common — amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin — are safe for pregnant women. Antibiotics will typically relieve symptoms of the infection within three days, but always follow your doctor’s instructions for when to stop taking the antibiotic.
There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting a UTI. Proper hygiene, including wiping front to back after using the bathroom, peeing after intercourse, and drinking plenty of fluids like water and cranberry juice are easy ways to prevent a UTI.
While a urinary tract infection is easily treatable, it is not typically serious unless it goes undiagnosed, so it is good to be aware of the symptoms so you can seek medical help should one occur.
If you are looking for an obstetrician that will listen and support your birthing plan, schedule a consultation at River City OBGYN.
