13/01/2023 By acomputer 597 Views

Expert Answer: I get more urinary tract infections during my pregnancy

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I certify that I do not send spam e-mailsUrinary tract infections are common during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and enlargement of the uterus. If they are taken care of too late or poorly cared for, they can put the baby at risk. How to prevent, detect and treat them?

6 months pregnant and already 3 urinary tract infections

Many of you regularly ask questions to our experts, we answered one of them. between you, who shared her little inconvenience: "I am six months pregnant and I have already had three urinary tract infections since the beginning of my pregnancy. How can I prevent them and avoid a recurrence?"

Urinary tract infections: all you need to know

There are three stages of a urinary tract infection: asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Often, a urinary tract infection is detected through specific symptoms: burning while urinating and a frequent urge to urinate which results in only a few drops. there are urinary strips that allow you to carry out a quick examination, which can guide the diagnosis or the request for a cytobacteriological examination of the urine (ECBU), a biological test carried out in the laboratory.

When the woman shows no clinical signs, it is during a urine examination that we can realize the infection fortuitously. If you have a history of pyelonephritis or recurrent cystitis, your doctor will prescribe a preventive ECBU every month.

Treating a urinary tract infection during pregnancy

Expert answer: I multiply the urinary tract infections during my pregnancy

If an infection is suspected, antibiotic treatment is prescribed, then adjusted according to the results of the analyzes and the antibiogram. There are several types of antibiotic therapy: a minute first-line treatment to be taken in a single dose (Fosfomycin), or a background treatment for seven days (Selexid, for example), effective if the infection is resistant. The treatment must be adapted to the antibiogram. It is important to repeat an analysis eight days after stopping antibiotic therapy to check that the germ has disappeared from the urine. Otherwise (this is rare), you must redo an antibiogram and a new flood of antibiotics. Beware of self-medication! Even if you already have these drugs at home, before taking any antibiotics, keep some urine in a small jar for analysis.

Urinary tract infection: what are the risks?

Recurrences are rare. But late management can lead to complications: if the infection becomes complicated in pyelonephritis, fever can lead to premature delivery. In case of hyperthermia (38°C), consult urgently in order to carry out the appropriate treatment and avoid any risk.

Prevent urinary tract infections

Remember to stay hydrated. Drink two liters of water a day on a regular basis, not large amounts all at once. Cranberry or probiotic cures work well. Do not hold back when you have to urinate, and empty your bladder regularly to prevent the proliferation of germs. Always remember to urinate after sex. wear loose cotton underwear. Finally, limit foods that are too sweet, which promote the development of bacteria. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes also promotes urinary or vaginal infections.