Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in adult women; and the most common pregnancy complications. This means pregnant women frequently ask the question of how to treat a UTI. Naturally, your doctor would prescribe antibiotics, but those are not safe medications during pregnancy. How then to handle the situation? Enter this list of UTI pregnancy natural treatment.
Every woman has a 20% risk of experiencing a UTI in her lifetime. When treated quickly and correctly, UTIs rarely lead to serious complications; but if left untreated, they can lead to kidney infections and even death in rare cases. A UTI occurs when bacteria enter through the urethra and cause an infection. Generally, bacteria are flushed out when you urinate, but certain circumstances can cause an increased risk of contracting a UTI.
pregnant woman at home
UTIs are common during pregnancy because the growing fetus can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. This traps bacteria or causes urine to leak. There are also physical changes to consider. As early as six weeks gestation, almost all pregnant women experience urethral dilation; when your urethra expands and continues to expand until delivery.
The larger urinary tract makes your urine to become more still in the urethra. This allows bacteria to grow. To make matters worse, a pregnant woman’s urine gets more concentrated. It also has certain types of hormones and sugar. These can encourage bacterial growth and lower your body’s ability to fight off “bad” bacteria trying to get in.
What Are The Safest Types Of UTI Pregnancy Natural Treatment Available?
Unfortunately, there are no natural treatments for UTIs. It is possible that the UTI may take care of itself. But that’s probably not a chance you want to take since you’re pregnant. Your baby’s safety is the priority here. Pregnancy warrants immediate attention if you are suspecting a urinary tract infection. Your healthcare provider will be prescribing antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy.
However, you can prevent UTIs naturally or at least reduce your risks of experiencing a urinary tract infection.
Here are some natural treatments/precautions you can take:
Cranberry Juice: Some
evidence suggests that daily consumption of 100% pure cranberry juice with no added sugar may prevent UTIs; because of a possible infection-fighting property contained in the juice. It is unclear how much and how often one should drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. You should not drink cranberry juice if you are taking the blood-thinning medication, warfarin, as it may lead to bleeding.
Drinking plenty of water: This dilutes the urine and helps flush out bacteria that may be present.
Avoiding drinks that may irritate the bladder: Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juice or caffeine may irritate your bladder and perpetuate excessive urinating.
Wiping from front to back: Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom prevents bacteria from the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
Emptying your bladder soon after intercourse: It is important to try to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra by drinking a full glass of water and urinating soon after sex.
Avoiding the use of irritating feminine products: Using certain products such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders can irritate the urethra and cause a UTI.
UTI Pregnancy Natural Treatment: Some More Preventive Measures
Canberry juice| Pixabay
You can further prevent UTIs during your pregnancy by:
Increasing Vitamin C Intake: Some evidence shows that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against urinary tract infections. Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
Take a Probiotic: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as pap (fermented corn) and probiotic yoghurt.
- wearing only cotton underwear
- sleeping without underwear at night
- avoiding douches, perfumes, or sprays
- drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Some common symptoms of UTIs include:
- Pain in the lower back
- High fever
- Shaking chills
- Vomiting
- Burning sensation during urination
- Increased frequency of urination
Any infection during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous for you and your baby. That’s because infections increase the risk of premature labour. An untreated UTI during pregnancy can also wreak havoc after your delivery.
Let your doctor know if you have any symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take every last pill to knock out that infection.
WebMD Healthline
Also read: Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics During Pregnancy?
