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The ailments that often occur during pregnancy include ailments of the urinary system. Bacteria in the urine of pregnancy are a signal that something disturbing is happening in the pregnant woman’s body. Therefore, follow-up examinations should be performed by the treating physician, as untreated bacteria in the urine of pregnancy pose a risk to the fetus.
According to estimates, around 7% of women are found to have bacteria in their urine during pregnancy. This is a situation that requires the use of pharmacological treatment, because multiplied bacteria pose a threat not only to the pregnant woman, but also to the fetus.
Bacteria in urine during pregnancy – diagnosis
What are the most common causes of bacteria in urine during pregnancy? First of all, it is about a change in the peristaltics of the ureter, which, like the flow of urine, is slowed down. The urinary tract, due to the action of estrogens and progesterone, is not only swollen, but also more supplied with blood, which greatly facilitates the penetration of bacteria into the ureter. Bacteria in the urine of pregnancy may also appear because the urine becomes less acid in a pregnant woman. In addition, in approximately 70% of pregnant women, urine tests detect protein and glucose, which promotes the appearance of bacteria in the urinary tract. Another factor that can cause bacteria in urine during pregnancy is difficult hygiene of intimate parts, especially at a later stage. Gynecologists recommend the use of intimate hygiene lotions, but also wet wipes, which make it easier to keep clean. However, you must remember to buy natural cosmetics without dyes and additional fragrances.
The bacteria that most often causes inflammation in the urinary tract of a pregnant woman is coliform bacteria that develops in the large intestine, which can pass from the anus to the urethra, and then to the bladder. In pregnant women, there is also the so-called colonization of the vagina by group B streptococci, which does not endanger the pregnant woman, but poses a threat to the newborn, who may become infected with them during delivery.
Initially, bacteria in the urine of pregnancy do not cause any visible or noticeable symptoms, this is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. With the developing infection, the woman begins to feel discomfort, bacteria in the urine of pregnancy cause symptoms that should prompt the pregnant woman to visit a control visit. The typical symptoms of a developing urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation when urinating. Another characteristic symptom suggesting that bacteria appeared in urine during pregnancy is urge to urinate, passing it in smaller amounts. With advanced infection, pain in the lower abdomen may also appear, blood-stained urine, and fever may also appear in the symptoms.
Bacteria in urine during pregnancy – complications
If it is suspected that bacteria have appeared in the urine during pregnancy, your doctor will order a general urine test, but also should refer you for a urine culture. The treatment in this case consists in the inclusion of an antibiotic, which is recommended for pregnant women. Antibiotic therapy is recommended for a week, but the gynecologist may recommend taking the drug longer. After completing the treatment, the urine should be re-tested. What complications can be caused by late detection of bacteria in the urine of pregnancy? First of all, an untreated urinary tract infection can lead to pyelonephritis. Long-term infection can unfortunately lead to premature birth or even miscarriage.
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