Recognize the symptoms and ways to prevent UTIs in pregnant women

What is a urinary tract infection, or often abbreviated as UTI? UTI is an infection caused by bacteria that targets the urinary tract system. This condition is very common in pregnant women. Generally, pregnant women can experience UTI during pregnancy which lasts between 6 and 24 weeks. This condition is usually confirmed through urine analysis, can occur at any time during pregnancy, and can be dangerous if not treated properly.

 

Therefore, what causes pregnant women to be more susceptible to UTI?
It can be caused, when urine accumulates in the urinary tract, bacterial growth will be faster, which can cause urinary tract infections in pregnant women. When the habit of not cleaning the vaginal area after urinating or defecating, as well as often holding urine during pregnancy, can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections for pregnant women.

 

The following are symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women, including:
- Frequent urination
- Pain when urinating
- Fever
- Burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- Cloudy, bloody, or pungent-smelling urine
- Blood or mucus in the urine
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and lower back

 

Efforts that can be made to prevent UTI in pregnant women, namely:
- Drink lots of water
- Drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry pills
- Maintain cleanliness of the genital and anal areas
- Urinate before and after intercourse

 

So, Hermina Friends, if there are physical and hormonal changes, it can make pregnant women more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). As explained, there are several symptoms and efforts that can be made to avoid UTIs during pregnancy.

 

If you feel signs of urinary tract infection, do not ignore it because this condition can endanger the developing fetus. Immediately consult an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at RSU Hermina Solo so that you can immediately get the right treatment by the doctor.

 

Reference Sources:
- https://www.alodokter.com/isk-pada-ibu-hamil-kenali-penyebab-gejala-dan-caramengatasinya
- https://www.klikdokter.com/info-sehat/ginjal-saluran-kemih/bahaya-infeksi-salurankemih-bagi-ibu-hamil?srsltid=AfmBOopRhbR_VfL1f5c3KT6offFnKzMiXIpkbT2_aFOznhhwB5FqV5p
dr. Tommy Febrianto, Sp.OG