Urinary Tract Infections
Most pregnant women notice that they have to empty their bladder a lot more often than usual. They are amused and surprised that almost as soon as they get pregnant they feel like they spend a bunch more time in the bathroom every day.
Some moms have another bathroom-related challenge — urinary tract infections. We have prepared this information to help you understand the causes of urinary tract infections in pregnancy, signs and symptoms that you’re growing bacteria, and also a few ways you can prevent and/or treat a UTI.
Please reach out to us anytime if you have any concerns!
Why are UTI’s more common in pregnancy?
In a word - Hormones! Progesterone is an amazing hormone that helps all of your muscles & connective relax enough so you can grow a small human. That relaxing effect causes everything to relax — including your bladder muscles. And, of course, there’s also a uterus that is gradually getting heavier sitting right on top of the bladder. The relaxed bladder with extra pressure can sometimes have difficulty getting empty. (So try to pay special attention to emptying every time you go!)
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
The classic signs of a urinary tract infection are “frequency, urgency, and pain”. Bacteria in the bladder causes irritates the muscle making it contract — the same sensation as having a full bladder. That makes people feel like they have to to the bathroom much more frequently, and when they have to go, they have to go - now. Sometimes, there’s a sense of burning or stinging as they void. You may also notice that your urine either looks cloudy or smells “off” as well.
Interestingly, unlike other times of life, during pregnancy, there may not be pain with urination even with a significant infection. So you can have an infection without any pain at all.
In pregnancy, one sign of a urinary tract infection can be premature labor! If you experience cramping anytime before 37 weeks, please let us know so we can send in a urine culture.
What are the risks of a UTI?
In addition to being uncomfortable, a urinary tract infection can create some risks. One significant risk of a urinary tract infection is preterm labor. If you have having signs of contractions before your due date, we will culture your urine to make sure bacteria isn’t causing it. Also, because of close proximity to the birth canal, the baby can be exposed to bacteria in the birth process.
How can I prevent a UTI in pregnancy?
There are 5 things we recommend doing to help prevent a urinary tract infection in pregnancy:
1) Drink plenty of clean water. We suggest drinking 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water daily. Increase your water intake even if you think you are drinking enough water,
2) Void when you notice the need. Try not to “hold your urine” — go when you gotta go. And, make sure when you do void that you really get empty as much as possible.
3) Use “front to back hygiene” meaning always wipe from the front to the back so you don’t introduce fecal bacteria into your bladder.
4) Urinate after you make love.
5) Take showers more than baths. An occasional bath is fine, but if you are noticing symptoms of a UTI, be sure to shower instead.
6) Practice safe hygiene with sex. If you engage in anal sex, ask your partner to wash well before vaginal penetration. If you use toys, wash them thoroughly after each use.
If I have a UTI - How do I treat it?
We really like D-Mannose for bladder health in general, both as a preventative and also to help address and active infection. If you have a history of urinary tract infections, you may want to just incorporate it into your day as a regular supplement.
We recommend buying D-Mannose powder from Amazon (here’s a link). We suggest doing it once daily if you have a history of infection; you can do it 3x daily if you are actively treating a UTI. Directions: Mix 2 teaspoons into a very small glass of water. Don’t drink anything else for the next hour. After that next hour, flush with a lot of water.
Please call us if you begin to experience any discomfort or symptoms like spotting, bleeding, leaking fluid, abnormal discharge, abdominal pain or tenderness, or back pain. If you have any questions, please let us know.
If you need or prefer antibiotics, we are glad to phone in a prescription for you. Please give us a call if you want to have a prescription.
