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DESCRIPTION
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can involve bladder, kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder) and urethra (vessel that leads from bladder to external opening through which urination occurs). Pregnant women have a greater risk of developing urinary tract infections. Disorders include:
- Asymptomatic bacteruria (presence of multiplying bacteria in the urinary tract without obvious symptoms).
- Cystitis, which is an infection of the urinary bladder.
- Pyelonephritis, which is a kidney infection that can arise from cystitis. It is a significant and potentially dangerous infection.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Sometimes, no symptoms are obvious.
Burning sensation during urination.
Feeling the urge to urinate when the bladder is practically empty.
A nagging type pain in the lower abdomen.
Cloudy and unpleasant, foul-smelling urine.
Blood in the urine. Leaking urine. With pyelonephritis, there may be fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and flank (low back) pain.
CAUSES
A breakdown in the body's defense mechanisms that allows bacteria from the vagina, perineum, rectum, or a sexual partner to invade the urinary tract system. Women are more vulnerable to these infections due to shortness of the urethra. Infection ascends from the urethra to the bladder. If they are not expelled from the body, can continue up the ureters and infect the kidneys. UTIs affect women more often than men and the bacteria can be spread by sexual contact. Other risk factors include kidney stones, diabetes, enlarged prostate (in men), sickle cell anemia and having a bladder catheter. Various changes in the urinary tract in pregnant women increase the risk of infection.
RISK INCREASES WITH
A history of urinary tract infection.
Diabetes mellitus.
Sickle cell anemia trait.
Underlying abnormalities of the urinary tract.
More than 3 previous pregnancies.
Presence of renal stones (nephrolithiasis).
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Drink plenty of fluids (8 glasses of water a day).
Empty bladder immediately before and right after sexual intercourse.
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
Urine studies during prenatal visits with your midwife.
Don't postpone urination. Urinate when you feel the need.
Drink plenty of unsweetened, pure cranberry juice to keep the urine acidic and not alkaline. Wash genitals thoroughly. Maintain good hygiene.
Women should always wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
Avoid douches (unless recommended by your midwife or health care provider). Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and products with deodorants. If a UTI is suspected, see your health care provider for antibiotic treatment.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
With early diagnosis and treatment, symptoms usually resolve in a few days. Recurrence is not uncommon.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Pyelonephritis, that may become chronic.
Untreated urinary tract infections that can progress to pyelonephritis, which is associated with premature labor and poses a serious risk to the unborn child and mother.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnostic tests may include a urinalysis and urine culture by your midwife. You will be advised on how to collect a clean, midstream urine sample.
TREATMENT
For an asymptomatic infection or cystitis, medication is generally all that is required for treatment. Follow-up urine cultures are important to ensure that the infection is eradicated.
Pyelonephritis treatment normally requires hospitalization for intravenous medications and careful monitoring for complications, such as dehydration. If there is no improvement in symptoms, further diagnostic testing is considered.
MEDICATION
Antibiotics may be prescribed if other alternative therapies do not eradicate the infection. It is important to complete full dosage even if the symptoms disappear. In some cases, when a UTI recurs, antibiotic treatment may be recommended for the remainder of the pregnancy. In cases of pyelonephritis, antibiotic therapy is often continued to suppress future infections, a preventive strategy by allopathic practitioners often referred to as antibiotic prophylaxis.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions in normal activities.
Avoid sexual intercourse when symptoms are present.
DIET
No special diet after treatment, but eat a well-balanced pregnancy diet.
Drink plenty of fluids (especially water).
Avoid sugars, coffee, black tea, soda and alcohol during treatment as these tend to promote bacterial growth.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
NOTE: Consult with your midwife or health care provider before taking any nutritional supplements or starting any dietary therapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These supplemental products listed are for the general population and may not be recommended for pregnant or lactating women. For more suggestions see:
MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Cystitis
Cranberry can help prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking unsweetened pure cranberry juice will help to acidify urine, inhibiting bacterial growth. Trader Joes has pure unsweetened cranberry juice. If you do not have a Trader Joes near you, you can purchase cranberry products from HerbalRemedies.com (see links below).
- Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Premium Quality, Kosher, 16 fl. oz., Dynamic Health
- Cranberry Extract STD w/Ester C, 400 mg, 120 VCaps
- Cranberry Extract STD w/Ester C, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 120 Tabs
- Urinary Formula w/ Cranberry Fruit, 480 mg, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
- Ultimate Urinary Cleanse w/ Cranberry, Nature's Secret, 60 Caps
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be included as a nutritional supplement and vitamin C rich liquids.
- Vitamin C Liquid, w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Dynamic Health - Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
- Vitamin C 1000, w/ Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps - Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for may of the body's important enzyme systems.
If taking antibiotics, include unsweetened or naturally sweetened yogurt in diet. Antibiotics will kill all bacteria, good and bad in the digestive tract. The yogurt helps to replace the good bacteria needed for proper digestion.
- Acidophilus & Bifidus, NOW Foods, 8 Billion, 60 Caps - Acidophilus and Bifidus contains a high potency balanced blend of the two prominent species of resident intestinal bacteria. Regular intake can aid in maintaining healthy intestinal flora.
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Kosher Liquid, All Natural, Vegetarian Medium, Lactose Free, Apple-Strawberry Flavor, 16 fl. oz., Dynamic Health - Liquid Lactose Free Acidophilus Lactobacillus Plus Bifidu, Bulgaricus & Yucca Schidigera is fortified with Organic Tahitian Noni Juice.
- Acidophilus Pearls, Enzymatic Therapy, 90 Pearls - Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls feature the two most studied forms of beneficial bacteria sealed in a tiny, easy-to-swallow capsule. For relief from occasional gas, loose stools, constipation or sensitive stomach; get the goodness of yogurt protected in a pearl.
Uva Ursi leaf herbal tea (antiseptic herb which passes through the kidneys). This can be made by taking 1 oz. of the herb and place them in a jar, pour boiling water over the herb and cover. Let stand for 4 hours or overnight. Drink 1/4 cup 4 times daily for prevention and 1/2 cup daily for an active infection.
AHCC supports immune function.
- AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 500 mg, 60 VCaps - AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a proprietary extract produced from specially cultivated and hybridized mushrooms (Basidocymetes). According to extensive research in humans, as well as numerous non-clinical studies, AHCC supports immune system function through its ability to enhance macrophage and NK (Natural Killer) Cell Activity. NK cells and the intercellular mediators they produce are critical for the maintenance of healthy cell cycle function. In addition, NK cell number is dramatically increased in the presence of viruses. AHCC has also been shown to possess antioxidant properties and support healthy liver function. GENERAL CAUTIONS: Pregnant and lactating women and people using prescription drugs should consult their physician before taking any dietary supplement. When taking any new supplement, use common sense and cautiously increase to the full dose over time to avoid any potential problems.
- AHCC, 100% Pure Powder, NOW Foods, 2 oz. - See description above.
- AHCC, NOW Goods, 750 mg, 60 Caps - See description above
Anantmul is effective in treating urinary problems.
- Anantmul (Indian Sarsaparilla), 450 mg, 120 Vcaps - It is employed in nutritional disorders, syphilis, chronic rheumatism, gravel and other urinary diseases and skin affections.
Buchu is a natural urinary disinfectant.
- Buchu, Urinary / Kidney Herb, African Red Tea Imports, 2 fl. oz. - Buchu, the urinary herb, has traditionally been claimed to treat a wide variety of disorders. Buchu is commonly used as a natural diuretic, thus assisting with relieving premenstrual bloating.
Honeybush Tea is good for the urinary tract.
- Honeybush Tea, Organic Loose Tea, 3.2 oz. - Honeybush tea is a herbal tea that is caffeine free and very low in tannic acid. It has a very pleasant sweet tasting honey flavor and also a very healthy drink.
Silver is a natural bacteria fighter.
- Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz. - Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, may of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.
Corn Silk is used to soothe the urinary tract.
- Corn Silk, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps - Corn Silk (Zea mays) was used traditionally as a mild diuretic. It is often included in herbal preparations for the bladder and urinary tract. Used by Native Americans for urinary complaints.
- Corn Silk Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Corn Silk is used to soothe the urinary tract and can give relief to the bladder, kidneys, and small intestine.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary Tract Support Wellness Oil, Nature's Inventory, 2 fl. oz. - The urinary system is prone to infections. Essential oils are very helpful in dealing with these infections. The oils in this formula will promote the flow of urine and have an antiseptic effect on the urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in your urinary system. UTIs limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. But serious consequences can occur if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Women are most at risk of developing a UTI. In fact, half of all women will develop a UTI during their lifetimes, and many will experience more than one. Directions: Apply 1-3 pumps of oil into the palm of your hand and work into your lower abdomen 2-4 times daily. Ingredients: Unrefined grapeseed oil and an essential oil blend of fennel, rosemary, anise, palmarosa, and black pepper.
Gravel Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Today, Gravel root is used for kidney stones, cystitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because it encourages the excretion of excess uric acid, it is also used to treat rheumatism and gout.
Pumpkin Seed Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 100 Softgels - Pumpkin Seed Oil is a nutritional oil rich in essential fatty acids. This oil is 100% natural and is screened for potency and purity.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms do not disappear following the first 2 days of treatment.
You develop fever, chills or flank pain.
You have not had a follow-up urine test to be sure the infection is eradicated.
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