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Is Kidney Infection Dangerous When Pregnant

Group B Streptococcal Infection

Pregnancy Update || Chronic Kidney Infections || Third Trimester

Group B streptococcal vaginal colonization is known to be a cause of neonatal sepsis and is associated with preterm rupture of membranes, and preterm labor and delivery. GBS is found to be the causative organism in UTIs in approximately 5 percent of patients.31,32 Evidence that GBS bacteriuria increases patient risk of preterm rupture of membranes and premature delivery is mixed.33,34 A randomized, controlled trial35 compared the treatment of GBS bacteriuria with penicillin to treatment with placebo. Results indicated a significant reduction in rates of premature rupture of membranes and preterm delivery in the women who received antibiotics. It is unclear if GBS bacteriuria is equivalent to GBS vaginal colonization, but pregnant women with GBS bacteriuria should be treated as GBS carriers and should receive a prophylactic antibiotic during labor.36

Infections Youre More Susceptible To During Pregnancy

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  • 7 Infections Youre More Susceptible to During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women become more prone to certain infections some mild while others can cause grave complications for mommy and baby. Because certain infections can be more prevalent among pregnant women, its important to know how to prevent and/or treat them.;

Kidney Infection While Pregnant

A pregnant mom willingly goes through many phases and hardships in those 9 months of struggle just to keep her baby healthy. But one cannot forgo the chances of complications during pregnancy owing to various biological, physical and mental factors. One such case is kidney infection while pregnant, also known aspyelonephritis, which is potentially dangerous for would-be mothers. In some recent studies, it has been found out that untreated pyelonephritis can lead to renal failure. In addition, those suffering from kidney infection have a high risk of delivering preterm, leading to serious complications and even death of the mother and child.

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Kidney Infection In Pregnancy: Symptoms Causes And Home Remedies

Kidney infection in pregnancy is one of the most dangerous situations a pregnant woman could get into. Aside from the risk of kidney failure and even death, it also imperils the life and health condition of the fetus. To ensure healthy conception, you must know the kidney infections symptoms in pregnancy.

How Can I Prevent A Bladder Infection

Kidney Infection While Pregnant Dangerous

You may do everything right and still experience a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, but you can reduce the likelihood by doing the following:

  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day and;unsweetened cranberry juice regularly.
  • Eliminate refined foods, fruit juices, caffeine,;alcohol, and sugar.
  • Take Vitamin C , Beta-carotene; and Zinc to help;fight infection.
  • Develop a habit of urinating as soon as;the need is felt and empty your bladder completely when you urinate.
  • Urinate before and after intercourse.
  • Avoid intercourse while you are being treated for a UTI.
  • After urinating, blot dry ,;and keep your genital area clean. Make sure you wipe from the front;toward the back.
  • Avoid using strong soaps, douches, antiseptic;creams, feminine hygiene sprays, and powders.
  • Change underwear and pantyhose every day.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants.
  • Wear all-cotton or cotton-crotch underwear and pantyhose.
  • Dont soak in the bathtub longer than 30;minutes or more than twice a day.

Want to Know More?

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Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics In Pregnancy

Theres a lot of talk and worry around this. Co-amoxiclav, the drug usually used to treat UTIs, is a hot topic of debate. But the best thing is to listen to your doctor.

It said on the label to avoid use during pregnancy but the doctor says its fine, says;answan. I read that there is a risk of some sort of liver dysfunction in the baby which puts me on edge. It takes a lot to reasssure this mum to bes hormone-affected brain!

Researchers have not found any actual problematic harmful effects towards baby when mothers are using this medication, says;2BMum;who has clearly been doing her own research. I dont think doctors prescribe it for more than 2-4 days, and with increased fluid intake, the body will get rid of it rather quickly.

In her opinion, getting treatment is the most important thing. Taking the medication is safer than having a UTI, says 2BMum. If you were given something that could harm the baby, it would only be given if more benefit would be brought to the mum and baby taking than drug than not.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Utis

If you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience one or;more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain or burning; when urinating
  • The need to urinate more often than usual
  • A feeling of urgency when you urinate
  • Blood or mucus in the urine
  • Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Chills, fever, sweats, leaking of urine;
  • Waking up from sleep to urinate
  • Change in the amount of urine, either more or less
  • Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul or;unusually strong
  • Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the area;of the bladder
  • When bacteria spreads to the kidneys you may experience back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

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But Ive Never Had One Before Why Now

Once again, those pesky pregnancy hormones are partly to blame.

Progesterone makes the bladder larger and more relaxed so you cant empty it as efficiently, explains Janice Rymer, consultant gynaecologist at Kings College London.

As your womb grows it puts pressure on the bladder, which can make it difficult to pass urine. And when the bladder empties, bacteria can multiply. Your PH level also changes which might cause irritation.

Miss_moolay2;shares her pain: Before I got pregnant, I had never had a water infection but since becoming pregnant Ive had five! The doctor just tells me that Im more prone to them during pregnancy.

What Treatment Options Are Available

Kidney and Bladder infection – 17 weeks pregnant! 🙁

UTIs can be safely treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. Urinary tract infections are most commonly treated by antibiotics. Doctors usually prescribe a 3-7 day course of antibiotics that is safe for;you and the baby. Call your doctor if you have fever, chills, lower stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, contractions, or if after taking medicine for three days, you still have a burning feeling when you urinate.

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What Causes Urine Infection During Pregnancy

Some of the common reasons for urinary tract infection during pregnancy are:

  • Changes in Your Body: Changes in the body, such as increasing levels of hormones and growing uterus, cause a slower flow of urine in the ureters due to the pressure on the bladder. This also leads to an inability to expel urine completely from the bladder. All of these changes can contribute to a urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
  • Bowel Bacteria: One of the common reasons for a urinary tract infection is bacteria from the bowel. As the distance between the urethra and the rectum in women is very short, it is easier for bacteria like E.coli to travel into the urinary tract.
  • Sex During Pregnancy: Although sex during pregnancy is healthy, it may increase your chances of a UTI. The bacteria in your vagina get pushed into the urethra, leading them into the urinary tract. Peeing before and after sex and rinsing the region after sex can help prevent UTIs.
  • Group B Streptococcus: These bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tract and can lead to infections that cause;painful urination during pregnancy.

In addition to these causes, if you have diabetes, have given birth to several children, are obese, or have a history of;recurrent UTI,;you may be at a higher risk of developing a UTI.

What Are The Complications Of Pyelonephritis

Proper treatment of pyelonephritis may prevent serious problems. If untreated, it can lead to a bacterial infection in the bloodstream called . This can then spread to other parts of the body and cause serious conditions requiring emergency treatment.

Untreated pyelonephritis can also result in acute respiratory distress as fluid accumulates in the lungs.

Pyelonephritis during pregnancy is a leading cause of preterm labor, which puts the baby at high risk for serious complications and even death.

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Utis In Pregnancy Are Common According To Doctors

Hormonal changes can play a role, making you more susceptible to infection.

Feeling like you need to pee all the time is par for the course when you’re pregnant. But you can’t always brush off that constant urge to go as no big deal.

There’s a chance that it’s caused by a urinary tract infection , which happens when some unwelcome bacteria travel up your urethra and set up shop in your bladder or somewhere else in your system. That can lead to telltale symptoms, like a constant need to rush to the bathroom along with a burning sensation when you pee.

More than half of all women come down with a UTI at some point in their life, says the federal Office on Women’s Health. And they’re common in pregnancy, so it can be helpful to understand what to expect and how to deal.

Here’s what you need to know about UTIs in pregnancy, according to doctors.

Why Are Utis More Common During Pregnancy

UTIs and BV During Pregnancy: Risks to the Baby

Hormones are one reason. In pregnancy, they cause changes in the urinary tract, and that makes women more likely to get infections. Changes in hormones can also lead to vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which your pee flows back up from your bladder to your kidneys. This can cause UTIs.

When youâre pregnant, your pee has more sugar, protein, and hormones in it. These changes also put you at higher risk for a UTI.

Because youâre pregnant, your growing uterus presses on your bladder. That makes it hard for you to let out all the urine in your bladder. Leftover urine can be a source of infection.

Other causes of UTIs include:

Escherichia coli and other bacteria from your poop. E. Coli is the most common cause of UTIs and can move from your rectum to your urethra if you donât wipe from front to back.

Sexual activity. Fingers, your partnerâs penis, or devices can move bacteria near your vagina into your urethra.

Group B streptococcus. Many women have this bacteria in their colon and vagina. It can cause UTIs and women can pass it to their newborns. Your doctor will test you for this bacteria around weeks 36 to 37 of pregnancy. If youâre positive for group B strep, your doctor will give you IV antibiotics during labor.

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How Is A Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed

If you suspect a urinary tract infection, visit a health care provider as soon as possible. At the medical facility, the health care provider will request a urine sample for testing.

First, your provider will observe the appearance and smell of your sample. A normal urine sample should be clear and slightly yellow. If you have an infection, your urine will most likely have an odor and appear cloudy.

To pinpoint the kind of bacteria responsible for the infection, the provider will use medical technology to examine your urine and a blood sample.

Uti Symptoms And Prevention

A urinary tract infection , also called bladder infection, is a bacterial inflammation in the urinary tract. Pregnant women are at increased risk for UTIs starting in week 6 through week 24 because of changes in the urinary tract. The uterus sits directly on top of the bladder. As the uterus grows, its increased weight can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, causing a urinary tract infection during pregnancy.

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Dangers Of Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy

Have you noticed that burning feeling and do you think you have a UTI? Urinary Tract Infections are annoying under the best of circumstances, but they can be downright dangerous when they happen during pregnancy. Don’t wonder if those symptoms are normal pregnancy signs or a Urinary Tract Infection see your OBGYN for a urine test! Why? Well, take your pick. UTIs during pregnancy are associated with:

  • Pyelonephritis.
  • A low birth weight.
  • A higher perinatal mortality rate.

Pyelonephritis is pretty common complication of UTIs. Around two percent of all pregnant women encounter this complication, but it can happen to non-pregnant people, including kids, too. The symptoms are fever, flank pain, nausea and vomiting, and a significant reduction in urine output. Really, call your doctor before it gets to this stage. Antibiotics are available. They still work . Preterm labor, a low infant birth weight, and a higher perinatal mortality rate speak for themselves. That is some serious business right there.

Preventing Kidney Infection During Pregnancy

Webinar: Pregnancy and Kidney Disease

As it is often said, precaution is better than cure. Try following these steps to reduce your chance of getting kidney infection while pregnant:

  • Have at least 8-10 glasses of water every day
  • Keep your genitals clean
  • Never try controlling your urge to pee, and empty your bladder every time
  • After every stool discharge, wipe yourself completely as the remnants of bacteria can travel to the urethra
  • Soaps and sprays that irritate your skin or eyes should be avoided, as they contribute in the cultivation of harmful bacteria
  • Try avoiding the usage of vaginal douches while pregnant

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Sounds Painful I Guess Ill Easily Know When Ive Got One

The odd thing is that the symptoms can range from feeling overwhelmingly awful to just a bit itchy down there and generally under the weather, to not even realising youve got an infection.

It always amazes me because it never stings when I pass water, says Miss_moolay2.

The symptoms to look out for include:

  • Wanting to go to the loo more often
  • A stinging when you wee
  • Sharp, low;abdominal pain
  • Feeling a bit unwell
  • You may even experience blood in your wee

If you have any of these, talk to your doctor as the only way to really know for sure is to test your wee. This is why it is crucial not to forgot your sample at your check-ups.

When To See Your Gp

Pregnancy isnt a time to be taking health risks so see your GP if:

  • you feel feverish
  • you have pain in your back, tummy or down below that wont go away
  • your symptoms havent improved after a few days
  • you have blood in your wee.

When theyre diagnosing pyelonephritis, your GP will ask:

  • if you have had a kidney infection before
  • what symptoms youve been having
  • for a urine sample.

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Some Of The Common Causes Of Kidney Stones During Pregnancy Are

Are kidney stones dangerous while pregnant. These complications may further account for some of the symptoms seen with more severe cases of kidney stones. The risk of stone formation during pregnancy. The lack of fluids in your.

Kidney stones are a common illness among pregnant women. About 1 in 1500 pregnant women are known to have kidney stones. Being pregnant doesnt necessarily increase the chances youre going to develop kidney stones but being pregnant can make it harder to remedy them.

Although kidney stone formation during pregnancy is a rare occurrence kidney stones may pose a potential risk to the health of the pregnant woman and her child. While kidney stones in nonpregnant women are normally diagnosed with a CT scan during pregnancy a regular pelvic ultrasound will be used to pick up those stones and avoid any radiation to the fetus. This area is commonly referred to as the flank.

Treatment of kidney stones in pregnancy ranges from bed rest pain relievers and getting enough fluids to threading a very small telescope called a utereroscope into the bladder and kidney to remove or break up a stone. Kidney or ureter stones in pregnancy are a major health concern and are one of the most common causes for abdominal pain in pregnant women. Of kidney stones during pregnancy ranges widely from one in 250 to one in 3300 811.

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Strengths And Limitations Of Study

Kidney Infection While Pregnant Dangerous

The strengths of this study lie mainly in the method used for data collection. The advantage of using an online forum to collect data was that it provided access to a wide range of participants across the UK. Online forum postings increase the perceived sense of anonymity in participants, which can increase disclosure compared to face-to-face interviews. Data was also immediately available for analysis and circumvented transcription errors arising from interviews.

Using an online forum, however, also contributed to the limitations of this study. Women used descriptive text and emoticons to express their feelings, but using an online forum could result in a loss of insight that facial expressions or verbal tone can offer to exploring perceptions. It was difficult to characterise the exact demographics of website users and only views of women who had access to the internet and had subscribed to the forum could be analysed. Different cultural groups in the UK may also have different norms of behaviour in pregnancy and the views of women from varying backgrounds may differ from what was captured from the forum. Therefore, the interpretation and transferability of the results should be made within this context and broad generalisations may not be appropriate.

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Causes Of Urine Infections

Women are more likely to get urine infections than men. In women, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder is shorter than in men. So it’s easier for germs to get into a womans bladder than a mans bladder.

Pregnant women are also more prone to getting urine infections due to:

  • hormonal changes
  • the pressure of your baby and womb on your bladder, which may prevent it from emptying properly when you pee

You can reduce your chances of getting a urine infection in pregnancy by:

  • wiping yourself from front to back after going to the toilet or when you are washing your genital area
  • emptying your bladder before and after sex
  • going to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to pee

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