10 ways to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy
There may be an increase in urinary tract infections due to urinary tract changes that occur during pregnancy. Stating that urinary tract infections can lead to kidney infections if left untreated, Anadolu Health Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Meltem Çam said, “Kidney infections cause premature birth and low birth weight in the baby. “If treatment is done early and appropriately, these infections will not harm the baby,” he said.
There may be an increase in urinary tract infections due to urinary tract changes that occur during pregnancy. Stating that urinary tract infections can lead to kidney infections if left untreated, Anadolu Health Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Meltem Çam said, “Kidney infections cause premature birth and low birth weight in the baby. “If treatment is done early and appropriately, these infections will not harm the baby,” he said.
Anadolu Health Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. emphasizes that the growing uterus during pregnancy is behind the bladder, puts pressure on the bladder and prevents it from emptying due to its increasing weight, and that urine remaining in the bladder for a long time causes infections to increase. Meltem Çam said, “The risk of urinary tract infections increases between the 6th and 24th weeks of pregnancy.”
The treatment is administered in a way that does not harm the baby.
Anadolu Health Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. underlines that it is necessary to consult a doctor in complaints such as pain and burning while urinating, increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, cramps and pain in the lower abdomen, fever, chills, feeling of pressure and sensitivity in the bladder. Meltem Çam: “Antibiotics are used in the treatment. “The antibiotics used are chosen so as not to harm the baby,” he said. Dr. Meltem Çam gave the following suggestions to pregnant women:
- You should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
- Blueberry extracts can be used.
- Caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and ready-made fruit juices should not be consumed.
- Vitamin C (250-500 mg per day), beta carotene (25,000-50,000 units per day) and zinc (30-50 mg per day) reduce the risk of infection.
- Urination should be done frequently and the bladder should be emptied completely.
- Urination should be done before and after intercourse.
- If there is a urinary tract infection, sexual intercourse should be stopped.
- Cleaning of the sexual area should be done regularly and from front to back. Harsh soaps and chemicals should not be used. Should change laundry frequently. Tight underwear and clothes should not be worn and cotton underwear should be preferred.
- You should not stay wet in the bathroom for more than 30 minutes.
