Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Pregnancy
With this all too common ailment, most women know the signs and symptoms whether pregnant or not. This infection is most common between the 6th and 24th week of pregnancy. The uterus sits directly on top of the bladder and can block drainage of urine from the bladder, causing the dreaded UTI. What you need to be aware of are the signs and symptoms, how to know whether you have a UTI or not, the treatment for a UTI and ways to prevent this painful condition.
The most common signs and symptoms of a UTI
Pain and/or burning during urination
Increased need to urinate
Urgency with urination
Blood or mucus in the urine
Change in from your normal amount of urine
Cramps or pain in your lower abdomen
Pain during sex
Chills and/or fever
Leaking Urine/loss of bladder control
Waking up from sleep to urinate
Cloudy, smelly urine
Dark urine
If the infection spreads to the kidneys additional signs and symptoms may include:
A UTI spreading to the kidneys is dangerous because it increases mom’s risk of early labor and of a low birth weight.
Back Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
If you develop symptoms of a UTI, it is important that you see your provider to be evaluated for the infection. Obviously the longer the infection is present, the more damage it can do to mom and baby in terms of the infection itself and the symptoms it produces. Your provider will most likely do a Urinalysis and/or a urine culture to determine the presents of the bacteria. If the test is negative there are other possible causes of many of the most common UTI symptoms and they will need to be evaluated for such as a vaginal yeast infection, uterine infection, kidney stone and many more.
A positive urinalysis will require the treatment of the infection. During pregnancy, most moms do not want to take prescription or over the counter medication unless it is completely necessary due to the side effects that the medications cause. There are natural treatments for a UTI and should be discussed with your health care provider. Many Midwives and OB/GYN’s are aware of natural treatments for UTI’s but many are not or do not feel comfortable with their limited knowledge of them to recommend them to their patients. If this is the case there are many forms of natural or alternative providers who can help you with natural treatments. Natural and alternative practitioners that can be helpful if this is the case include but are not limited to Naturopathic Physicians, Chiropractic Physicians, Chinese Medicine Doctors, Acupuncturists, and Homeopaths. Make sure that your alternative provider is licensed, in good standing with their board and has a pregnancy focused practice.
Possible Alternative Natural Treatments for UTI’s (seek professional guidance before starting)
D-Mannose
Cranberry Juice (with no added sugar)
Lots of Water
Homeopathic Remedies
Chinese Herbs
The best and most healthy pregnancy would be to not get any infections including a UTI and the best forms of prevention are:
Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day
Drink Unsweetened cranberry juice regularly
Eliminate: high sugar fruit juices, caffeine, alcohol and sugar
Take Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, and Zinc to prevent infection
Urinate as soon as you first feel the urge and empty completely
Urinate before and after intercourse
Avoid strong soaps, douches, antiseptic creams, feminine hygiene sprays, and powders
Change your underwear daily
Avoid tight fitting pants
Wear all cotton undergarments
Don’t soak in the bathtub for longer than 30 minutes at a time
This is one of the greatest times in your life, cherish it. Take great care of yourself during pregnancy so that you and your baby have the most optimal environment for creating and nurturing the growth of you precious baby. Make sure you have a full prenatal team keeping you healthy and on track including your birth provider (Midwife/OB), Chiropractic Physician, Massage Therapist (if you like prenatal massage), and Pediatrician (MD, DO, ND). During pregnancy and following the birth of the baby, Chiropractic care is vital to your overall well-being as well as your new born babies. Prenatal and pediatric chiropractors adjust babies as early as minutes after birth. Even the most gentle pregnancy and labor can cause subluxations in your infant and should be evaluated shortly after birth. Signs of the need for Chiropractic care in newborns start with simply being born, difficulty nursing, difficulty turning their head one way or the other, colic, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and ear infections plus many more. Blessings on the pregnancy and the soon approaching birth of your beautiful baby.
Dr. Ashley Waggoner-Jones ~ Chiropractic Physician