Urinary infection in pregnancy

UTIs are very common in women of reproductive age, especially during pregnancy. Between 5 and 10% of expectant mothers suffer from this ailment that can affect the fetus if it is not treated properly. There are different degrees of infection in the urine. The most common is the so-called cystitis ,

There are different degrees of infection in the urine. The most common is the so-called cystitis, which affects the bladder. The most serious cases in pregnant women occur when the kidneys are damaged, producing pyelonephritis.

Causes of urine infection in pregnancy

This type of infection is due to inflammation in the urinary tract caused, generally, by bacteria that ascend through the urethra from the area of the anus and vagina. The physical and metabolic changes that pregnancy brings increase the chances of suffering from urine infections and pyelonephritis.

The loss of muscle tone in the area of the bladder, the increase in the size of the uterus and high levels of progesterone affect the expulsion of urine, which becomes slower, incomplete or can even produce a reflux that favors bacterial proliferation.

Symptoms of urinary infection in pregnancy

The symptoms caused by a urine infection are very diverse and depend on the degree to which it has reached. Cystitis usually causes pain or itching when urinating, discomfort in the pelvic area and need to go to the bathroom frequently.

If the infection reaches the kidneys, the previous symptoms become worse and fever, lumbar and abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting appear. In this case, the pregnant woman should go immediately to the doctor, since a pyelonephritis increases the chances of premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth.

It must be taken into account that some urine infections are caused by asymptomatic bacteria, eleva which increases the chances of suffering complications if it is not detected or treated quickly. For this reason, the future mother must have a urine test in the first visit to the gynecologist. Treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy

This disease is treated by the application of safe antibiotics for pregnancy. In the case of cystitis, the medication will be taken

orally and all the treatment must be completed. Once finished, the patient must have another urine test to confirm the disappearance of the bacteria. Cases of pyelonephritis require

hospitalization , as the pregnant woman must be under control in case she shows signs of premature delivery. In addition, you will receive intravenous antibiotic treatment.Patricia García.

Editor of GuiaInfantil.com