Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system of the body. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, uterus, bladder, and urethra.

The main cause of UTI is a bacterial infection. The infection can be experienced by anyone but is more common in women. Although UTI isn’t fatal, it can be a cause of great concern in pregnant women.

If you think you’re suffering from UTI when pregnant, do consult your doctor as soon as possible. Although the infection is mostly found in the urethra and bladder, it may also lead to infection of the kidneys, which can cause preterm labor and low birth weight.

Symptoms of UTI

UTI has the following symptoms:

• The urge to pee all the time
• Difficulty in peeing
• Burning sensation while peeing or lower abdomen/back cramps
• Cloudy urine that smells
• Blood in the urine

If your UTI has caused an infection in the kidney, you will have fever, nausea, one-sided upper back pain, and vomiting. Consult your doctor right away if that is the case. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your bloodstream, which is life-threatening.

UTI Prevalence in Pregnancy

One reason for UTI during pregnancy is the fluctuation of hormones. This causes changes in the urinary tract, and that leads to infections. When there are hormonal changes, the pee goes back to the ureters from the bladder (vesicoureteral reflux), which causes UTI. In addition, pregnant women have a growing uterus that presses against the bladder, making it hard for them to excrete out all the urine. The leftover urine is the causative factor of UTI.

Treatment of UTI During Pregnancy

If the infection causes severe discomfort, treatment should be prescribed. The symptoms may relieve itself in three days. But pregnant women must finish the prescribed course even if they feel better already.

Complications of UTI in Pregnant Women

UTI complications may cause the following in pregnant women.

• Severe infection
• Long term infection
• Preterm labor
• Anemia
• Adult respiratory distress syndrome

While UTI in pregnant women can cause multiple complications, it can be prevented by taking precautions. By drinking enough water every day, wiping yourself from front to back after urinating, and wearing loose and cotton underwear, UTI may be prevented.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication that affects 1 in 20 pregnant women. The condition which mostly occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine as well as swellings in the legs, feet and hands. The symptoms of pre-eclampsia can range from mild to severe and can come earlier or immediately after delivery.

The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t known yet although many medical professionals think it happens when a woman’s placenta fails to work the way it should. Some experts have also attributed pre-eclampsia to poor nutrition during pregnancy and high body fat. There are also pieces of evidence that genes, immune system problems as well as a lack of blood flow to the uterus could play a role in pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia may present no symptoms, even though its early signs include high blood pressure (hypertension) and blood in the urine (proteinuria). However, as it continues to progress patients may start experiencing fluid retention (edema) which is always characterized by swellings in their ankles, feet, face and hands. Meanwhile the later symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:
• Severe headaches
• Malaise
• Blurry vision
• Shortness of breath
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Sudden weight gain
• Below the rib pains on the right side
• Impaired liver functioning
• A reduction in urine output
• Decrease in platelets in the blood

Some pregnant women have higher chances of developing pre-eclampsia than others. Some of the risk factors associated with the condition include;
• Being older than 40
• Being pregnant for the first time;
• Getting pregnant again less than 2 years apart or more than 10 years apart;
• A history of preeclampsia;
• High blood pressure before pregnancy;
• Being pregnant with multiple babies;
• A family history of preeclampsia;
• Certain conditions such as obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis;
• Being pregnant via In-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Pre-eclampsia can rarely result in complications for women who have been taking their antenatal seriously. However, if the condition is not diagnosed for some reason, it can result in complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets), placenta abruption, poor blood flow to the placenta, and cardiovascular diseases. It can also result in long term consequences for the developing baby.

Pre-eclampsia can only be cured when the baby is born. That said, certain medications can be used to treat some of the symptoms of the condition. Meanwhile, the doctor may also decide to induce labor, depending on the stage of the pregnancy or advise the patient to have plenty of rest. If you are experiencing symptoms of pre-eclampsia, do speak to your doctor as soon as possible for immediate medical care.

1) Everything you need to know about preeclampsia. Medical News Today Website. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252025. Last accessed April 22, 2021.

Vaginal yeast infections are quite common among pregnant women. This is because, during pregnancy, hormonal changes such as higher estrogen levels may disrupt the pH balance of the vaginal, thereby making the woman more prone to yeast infections. Although common, yeast infections do not pose any risk to pregnancy even though they might cause uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms.

The major symptoms of yeast infections during pregnancy include vaginal itching, burning, swelling or redness in the vulva as well as a white, thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese. If you are pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Bear in mind that these same symptoms are also associated with other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Yeast infections during pregnancy can be caused by several factors, some of which include taking antibiotics that changes the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal and having sexual intercourse with a partner who already has yeast infections. More so, women with certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and HIV can easily get yeast infections when they are pregnant. In addition, medications like corticosteroids can also hinder the immune system from working well, thereby making pregnant women more susceptible to different kinds of infections, including yeast infections.

Even though, yeast infections can be safely treated with over-the-counter medications like antifungal creams, ointments and suppositories, pregnant women are advised to seek help from a doctor before self-medicating since pregnancy in itself is associated with many complications.

However, doctors typically recommend medications for the treatment of yeast infections during pregnancy. These medications are actually safe and can be used at any stage of pregnancy without resulting in adverse side effects, like birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

Fortunately, yeast infections can be easily prevented during pregnancy through measures like avoiding tight pants and pantyhose, wiping from front to back after using the toilet paper, and wearing cotton underwear. Women suffering from diabetes can also prevent yeast infections by controlling their blood sugar levels. Research also suggests that eating yogurt with live cultures can help prevent yeast infections.

Morning sickness is marked by nausea and occasional vomiting. It may also cause discomfort during the later hours of the day. These symptoms usually present themselves in expectant moms during the first four months. It’s actually one of the signs of pregnancy.