URINE TRACT INFECTION IN PREGNANCY
Urinary tract infection is an infection of systems involved in formation and excretion of urine which includes kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra.
It is more common in women and very frequent in pregnancy.
UTI In pregnancy leads to pre-term labour.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Burning sensation while passing Urine.
2) Pain while passing urine.
3) Urgency for urination
4)Blood while passing urine
5) Lower abdomen pain
6)Fever
7)Nausea & vomiting
CAUSES:
UTI are common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes that cause changes in the urinary tract and that makes women more likely to get infection.
Changes in hormonal levels can also lead to vesico-uretheral reflux, in which your urine flows back from your bladder to your kidney.
In pregnancy your urine contain more sugar,protein and hormones in it which makes it a good media for growth of bacteria.
In pregnancy growing uterus exerts pressure on your bladder that makes hard for you to let out all the urine in your bladder.Left over urine can be the source of infection.
Sexual activity
Unhygienic washroom
COMPLICATION OF UTI DURING PREGNANCY
1) PRETERM LABOUR
2)SEVERE INFECTION
3)ANAEMIA (Due to kidney infection)
4) Sepsis
DIAGNOSIS:
URINE EXAMINATION: Urine Routine and Microscopy
Urine Culture and Sensitivity
PREVENTION:
1) Drink atleast 8 glasses of water daily.
2) Wipe your self from front to back
3) Empty your bladder shortly and after the sexual intercourse.
4) Wear cotton underpants.
5) Don’t wear pants that are too tight.
6) Don’t use any intimate wash.
7) Avoid holding your urine
8) Consume cranberry juices.
TREATMENT:
Treatment for UTI depend on the bacteria which causes UTI.
Most common bacteria for UTI are ESCHERICHIA COLI ( E.COLI).
SIGNIFICANCE OF PAP SMEAR DURING PREGNANCY
PAP SMEAR;
Pap smear is a test to check any abnormalities of cervix (a part of uterus). It is important to check for cervix health during routine check up of pregnancy with your obstetrician. It can be performed during preconception also.
Pap test can be performed safely during pregnancy.
PAP SMEAR doesn’t increase your risk of miscarriage and also doesn’t effect mother or baby’s health.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT :
During early pregnancy blood supply to cervix is maximum and if your cervix is unhealthy or it contain any infectious disease, then it will definitely lead to early miscarriage or may even harm mother and baby’s health.
WHY WE DO:
We generally do to diagnose:
1) GENITAL WARTS
2) To rule Out STIs ( SYPHILLIS ,GONORRHEA)
3) PRECANCEROUS LESION CAUSED BY THE HPV
DURING PREGNANCY, ABNORMAL PAP TEST doesn’t mean you have cancer.
You must repeat Pap smear test 6 WEEKS after delivery if it was abnormal during pregnancy.
BLEEDING IN EARLY PREGNANCY:
Per Vaginal Bleeding is very common in early pregnancy.
It can be result of something which may or may not be serious.
This can lead to some life threatening event. So, urgent treatment must be taken.
Causes which leads to bleeding during first three months:
1.)Implantation bleeding: some normal spotting within first 6 to 12 days after your conception. Sometimes it may be confused with normal menstruation.
2 .) ECTOPIC PREGNANCY- Implantation at an abnormal site.
3.)MOLAR PREGNANCY: (link)
4.)CERVICAL CHANGES: During pregnancy extra blood flow to the cervix, so during intercourse which causes contact with the cervix can trigger the bleeding.
5 .) INFECTION: Any infection to the cervix, vagina or any STI.
6.) HORMONAL CHANGES
WHEN TO WORRY:
Spotting: If u have spotting then just don’t panic and call your doctor to fix an urgent appointment or get your ultrasound done; if foetal heart beat is there than nothing to worry.
If your bleeding is heavy and with cramps, than visit your doctor immediately.
PRECAUTIONS
Avoid traveling,
Avoid intercourse ,
Don’t use tampons,
Bed rest in some cases.
