Bacteria in urine during pregnancy-are they dangerous?

Where do bacteria in urine during pregnancy come from?

Most commonly, urinary tract infections are caused by E.coli bacteria. It occurs in the large intestine and can pass from the anal area to the urethral outlet, and from there to the bladder or higher urinary structures such as the kidneys. Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are: Proteus Mirabilis and Klebsiella spp.

Pregnancy time is a period of numerous changes in the body of the mother-to-be. Some of them involve the urinary system. Pregnant women are more prone to urinary tract infections and the appearance of bacteria in the urine. This is due to, among other things. From its stasis in the bladder or a change in pH. In addition, the ureters dilate, leading to stagnant urine in the kidneys, which promotes the growth of bacteria. Increased urinary glucose concentrations during pregnancy may also predispose to asymptomatic bacteriuria (bacteriuria).

Bacteria in urine during pregnancy- symptoms

Bacteria in urine during pregnancy may not give any symptoms. Then we are dealing with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Sometimes, however, pregnant women complain of unpleasant symptoms associated with the infection. These include:

• Painful urination,
• Frequent feeling of urinary urgency,
• BAKING,
• Pain when urinating.

If there are any symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract infection, the mother-to-be should perform a general urinalysis, as well as a urine culture with an antibiogram.

Often the symptoms that can accompany the presence of bacteria in the urine are related to the exact location of the infection. With cystitis, in addition to frequent urination and burning, there is also pain in the lower abdomen. And if pyelonephritis develops, the symptoms are much more severe. A high fever, chills, pain in the kidney area, nausea or vomiting occur. In such a situation, it is necessary to treat the pregnant woman in a hospital setting.

Bacteria in urine during pregnancy- treatment

As mentioned above, in a pregnant woman, any bacteriuria should be treated, even if it does not produce any symptoms. This is because the bacteria present in the urine can lead to more serious complications in the following weeks of pregnancy.

Treatment of urinary tract infection usually consists of antibiotics. However, it is important to note that not all of them can be taken by a pregnant woman. Most often, doctors order moms-to-be to take penicillin, celphalosporin or nitrofurantoin, which, however, is avoided until the 12th. One week of pregnancy. Ideally, the antibiotic should be tailored to the specific bacteria based on the urine culture and antibiogram. Painkillers and antipyretics are also used for fever or pain.

To avoid recurrence of the presence of bacteria in the urine, pregnant women are advised to drink adequate amounts of fluids (including 1.5 liters/day), diligent intimate hygiene and not to delay visits to the toilet, since stagnant urine in the bladder promotes the growth of bacteria.

Bacteria in urine during pregnancy- complications

Untreated bacteriuria can lead to, among other things. To acute pyelonephritis. He, in turn, can lead to preterm labor, and is also associated with low birth weight of the baby. It also happens that the result of the untreated presence of bacteria in the urine will be kidney failure in a pregnant woman. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly perform urine tests as recommended by the doctor, so as not to lead to possible complications. A follow-up urine culture is also usually performed after treatment to make sure the treatment was effective and there are no bacteria in the urine.