Urinary tract infection is the most common bacterial infection that affects pregnant women. 5-10% of pregnant women suffer from symptomatic urinary tract infections. It can be presented with or without symptoms and it can cause infection of the bladder or the kidney. The rates of finding bacteria in the urine are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant women however, pregnant women are more likely to suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections.
In some cases, patients may be asymptomatic.
Common symptoms:
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination with small volumes
Painful urination
A feeling of incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder
Fever
Chills
Lower back pain
Visit a Urologist if you have any of these symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment,
and keep your Gynaecologist updated during follow-up visits
Physiological changes that happen during pregnancy are the main cause of severe and recurrent urinary tract infections. Risk factors:
History of urinary tract infection
Neurologic damage in the urinary bladder
Structural abnormality of the urinary tract
Presence of renal stones
Diabetes mellitus
Sickle cell trait
Immunosuppression
Tobacco use
Low socio-economic status
Seeking pregnancy care late
Sexual intercourse three or more times/week
Laboratory tests (a urine sample is taken to be examined to know the bacterial count, and a urine culture is done to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and the proper treatment for it).
Urine culture should be obtained during the first visit to the Gynaecologist.
Antibiotics are used to treat symptomatic and asymptomatic urinary tract infections. The proper antibiotic is chosen based on the urine culture (ex: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Nitrofurantoin, sulphamethoxazole & trimethoprim).
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