Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections of the urinary system which can occur anywhere. Generally, the infections occur more in the lower urinary tract: the urethras and the bladder. Women are more prone to this disease than men. Any urinary infection is certainly irritating and painful. The urine infection in pregnancy is more common in many women. Although there are many treatments available, one of the most effective is in Ayurveda. In this post, we will read about UTI during pregnancy and the best ways to treat them. 

Why UTI is More Common During Pregnancy?

UTI is common during pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the urinary tract and bladder. This usually either cause urine to leak or trap bacteria. Besides this, there are also certain physical changes responsible for UTI. During the initial six weeks of gestation, generally, all pregnant ladies experience arterial dilation. It is when the urethra started to expand, and until delivery, it continues to expand. The larger urinary tract with decreased bladder tone and increased bladder volume cause the urine to become still in the urethra, resulting in bacterial growth. The situation worsens when women’s urine gets more concentrated and has certain sugar and hormones. These give rise to bacteria growth. 

Symptoms of Urine Infection in Pregnancy

When it comes to UTI symptoms in females, it varies on different factors. Some of the common signs and symptoms of UTI in pregnant women are:

• Lower back or pelvic pain
• Painful or burning sensation during urination
• Blood tinged or cloudy urine
• Frequent urination
• Vomiting or nausea 
• Fever
• Feeling of urinating frequently

Around 2-10 percent of women experience this condition. Women who have had a UTI earlier before pregnancy are more likely to have them during pregnancy. 

Causes of UTIs by Pregnancy Trimester

Urine infection in pregnancy generally occurs when bacteria make their way into the urinary tract through the urethra and increase in the bladder. However, the urinary system is intended to keep away microscopic invaders; sometimes, these defenses fail. When it happens, bacteria can grow and hold into a complete infection in the urinary tract. Common UTIs occur in women, especially in the urethra and the bladder. The risk of UTI can start at week six of your pregnancy. 

Women are more prone to UTIs during and after giving birth. The risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract increases during labor. After giving birth, a woman can experience swelling or bladder sensitivity, resulting in a UTI. 

Complications 

If not treated on time, UTI can cause severe complications at the time of pregnancy. These complications are sepsis, premature birth, and kidney infection. When a woman with UTI gives birth to a baby, chances are, it may be underweight. If UTI spreads to the kidney, it may cause more complications such as:

• Hypertension
• Anemia
• Preeclampsia
• Low platelet count
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Bacteria in the bloodstream
• Breakdown of red blood cells

Even in a few cases, an infection can also pass on the newborn, causing severe complications.

Prevention For Urine Infection in Pregnancy

It is wise to prevent this condition before it gets worse or even develops. The following are the ways by which you can prevent UTIs from occurring. 

• Intake of water
• Take cranberry pills or drink unsweetened cranberry juice
• Pass urine when it urges
• Wash your anus and genitals carefully
• Urinate before having intercourse. 

To check for UTIs, a pregnant woman must attend a screening in the initial stage of pregnancy. These screenings are crucial to prevent UTI infections. 

How is UTI Diagnosed?

When you discover UTI symptoms in females, it’s time to get them diagnosed. UTI is diagnosed with a urine routine test that looks at pus cells. After then the culture test is performed to confirm the type of bacteria responsible for UTI This is conducted during the trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor will ask for your urine sample and send it to the lab for a test. If the bacteria are found in the urine, it is further tested for antibiotic sensitivities in order to check which antibiotic or treatment will work most effectively. In a few cases, a Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) imaging test is performed. It helps in determining the type of bacterial growth in women. Such types of infection need immediate attention. Although antibiotic medicines are available for treatment, the most effective treatment is Ayurvedic medicines.

Diagnosis of UTI

UTIs are diagnosed from a basic urine test or from the symptoms that seek microbes and pus cells. In a few cases, Urine Analysis or Voiding Cystourethrogram can be conducted to determine the type of bacterial growth affecting the patients. Such types of infections need immediate attention. If not treated on time, they may cause long-lasting effects on your kidneys. Although you can find many antibiotic medicines, the most effective and safest treatment is Ayurveda. 

Ayurvedic Treatment For Urine Infection in Pregnancy

Ayurveda believes that UTI is due to the pitta dosha imbalance. Ayurveda recommends choosing a diet that pacifies pitta dosha to eliminate the toxins that bring excess heat to the body. The following principles are suggested for urine infection in females. It is vital to make some changes in your diet and follow an active lifestyle.

Dietary Guidelines for UTI

• Say no to cold drinks
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Drink cranberry juice
• Avoid seafood, astringent material, and excess salt
• Add turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon to your diet. 

Lifestyle changes

• Wear comfortable and loose clothes, especially undergarments
• Urinate before and after intercourse
• Do not hold your urge to pee
• Practice meditation and yoga
• Use Kegel exercises for pelvic muscle strengthening
• Avoid too much exposure to the sun

Herbal Remedies For Urine Infection in Pregnancy

Shilajit is a herbal remedy that is effective to treat UTI. Besides this, you can also use herbs like Gokshura, Punarnava, Guduchi, Chandan, and Varuna. Gokshura and Punarnava are highly effective for balancing the kidney and urinary tract. Chandana helps with the digestive system and Shatavari helps in treating the immune system. Apart from this, you should also consider general health precautions that detox your body and enhance immunity. 

If you are looking for the best Ayurvedic medicine for UTI, Shuddhi Ayurveda’s Shuddhi UTI package is the right choice. Made of 100% Ayurvedic herbs, it helps in increasing immunity, treating fever, and protecting you from viruses and bacteria. Besides this, it is also effective to balance pH levels in the body and support the urinary tract, including the urethra, uterus, and urinary bladder. Besides using the Shuddhi UTI package, make some changes in your lifestyle such as:

• Practice meditation and Yoga
• Don’t hold your pee
• Wear comfortable, loose clothes
• To strengthen your pelvic muscles use Kegel exercise
• Maintain hygiene in your genital area

By doing so, you can prevent UTI and can have a safe and successful pregnancy.