REPROSAIT 4 U

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused when the urinary system becomes infected by bacteria.

UTIs are common in women aged between 20 and 50.

About 50 per cent of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.

If left untreated, UTIs can be quite painful - and even dangerous because the infection can travel upwards and reach the kidneys. If a kidney infection is left untreated during pregnancy it could make you very poorly and could lead to your baby being born with a low birth weight or being born prematurely.

The changes your body goes through during pregnancy make you more susceptible to UTIs. Progesterone relaxes the muscles of your ureters, the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder. This slows down the flow of urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Your enlarging uterus (womb) has the same effect. This is an ideal opportunity for bacteria because they have more time to grow before they're flushed out.

Symptoms of a UTI can include:

1. Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
   
2. Pain in your pelvis, the lower part of your abdomen, the lower part of your back, or in your side (usually only one side)
   
3. A feeling that you are unable to urinate fully
   
4. Shaking
   
5. Raised temperature
   
6. Feeling hot and cold by turns
   
7. Nausea and vomiting
   
8. Frequent need to go to the toilet
   
9. Uncontrollable urge to pass urine (incontinence)
   
10. Cloudy, bloody, or bad-smelling urine
    
11. Change in the amount of urine passed (either more or less)
    
12. Pain during sexual intercourse

I've always been susceptible to urinary tract infections. What will happen if I get one while I'm pregnant?

UTIs can be safely treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. You will probably be prescribed a three to seven-day course. Talk to your GP or midwife as soon as you notice any symptoms because an untreated UTI can lead to a kidney infection, which may in turn cause premature labour.

What can I do to avoid getting an infection?

Taking the following precautions should reduce the risk of getting a UTI:

1. After going to the toilet, wipe yourself from front to back to prevent bacteria from the back passage being spread to the front passage.
   
2. Wash thoroughly between your legs every day, but avoid strong soaps, douches, antiseptic creams, and feminine hygiene products (urethra) that can kill the "good" bacteria and irritate your sensitive urinary tract.
   
3. Empty your bladder completely when you go to the toilet.
   
4. Go to the toilet soon after having sexual intercourse.
   
5. Avoid long or very frequent baths.
   
6. Wear cotton knickers and avoid tights.
   
7. Change underwear and tights every day.
   
8. Treat constipation promptly, as this may increase your risk of getting a UTI.
   
9. Have plenty of liquids, especially water, to drink.
   
10. Drink cranberry juice, if you suffer from UTIs repeatedly. Cranberry juice can reduce levels of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent new bacteria from taking hold, so helping to prevent minor infections (sprays or powders). Don't drink cranberry juice if you are taking warfarin.